Brick Church Memorial, ??'^ 

1699-1877. 



The Days of Old 



AND THEIR COMMEMORATION. 



Wednesday, September 5, ^'<S77. 



COMPILED BY 



Rev. Theodore W. Wells, Pastor of the Church. 



MARLBOROUGH : 

Piiblislied by Request, under the Directicin nftlie Consistory. 

,877. 



h 



W4 






PRINTED BY 

JAMES S. YARD, 

FREEHOLD, N.J. 



Reformed Church of the Navasink. 



Now Known as the Brick Church, Marlborough, 
Monmouth County, New Jersey. 



1699-1877. 



Consistory in 1709. 
Rev. JOSEPH MORGAN, President. 
Elders, Deacons, 

Peter Van Deventer, Garret Schenck, 

John Wyckoff. Jacob Van Doorn. 

Consistory in 1827. 
Rev. SAMUEL A. VAN VRANKEN, D. D., President. 

Elders, Deacons, 

Garrett Wyckoff, Joseph Van Cleef. 

Daniel S. Schenck, Denise Schenck, 

Aaron Smock. Garret G. Conover. 

Consistory in 1877. 
Rev. THEODORE W. WELLS, President. 
WILLIAM SPADER, Treasurer, 
LAFAYETTE G. SCHENCK, C^lerk. 
Elders, Deacons, 

Uriah Smock, Addison W. Hobert, 

Peter L. Cortelyou, Selah B. Wells, 

James E. Wells, John L Rue, 

Milton Smock. John H. Van Mater. 



Reformed Church of the Navasink. 



Now Known as the Brick Church, Marlborough, 
Monmouth County, New Jersey. 



1699-1877. 



PASTORAL RECORD. 

1699 to 1709. — Supplied by the Ministers of Long 
island : 

WiLHELMUS LUPARDUS, 
ViNCENTIUS AnTONIDES, 

Beknardus Freeman. 
1709 to 173L — Joseph Morgan.. 
1731 to 1735. — Geraruus Haeghoort. 
1730 to 1764. — Reynhard Erickzon. 
1764 to 1827.— Benjamin Du Bois. ■ 
1818 to 1834. — Samuel A. Van A^ranken. 
183.5 to 1838.— James Otterson. 
1839 to 1851. — Aaron A. Marceleus. 
1851 to 1868.— Ralph Willis. 
1868 to 1873. — George Swain. 
1873 — Theodore W. Wells. 



Semi-Centennial Celebration 

OF THE 

Dedication of the Brick Church, Marlborough, 
Monmouth County, New Jersey. 



PRELIMINARY PROCEEDINGS. 

At a meeting of the Great Consistory of the church, 
July 16th, 1877, which was well attended, it was unani- 
mously resolved that the Semi-Centennial of the church's 
dedication he properly celebrated on the 5th of Septem- 
ber, 1877. 

That day was chosen because the 9th of September, 
the true anniversary of the event, was the Sabbath day and 
the consistory did not wish to interfere with the accustom- 
ed worship of the Lord's da3\ 

The Pastor was requested to prepare an Historical 
discourse, and the followino; committees were appointed : 

On the Okder of Exercises. — Rev. Theodore W. 
Wells, Mr. William Spader, and Mr. Lafayette Schenck. 

On Entertainment. — Mr. & Mrs. John Baird, Mr. & 
Mrs. Uriah Smock, Mr. & Mrs. Daniel P. Conover, Mr. & 
Mrs. William Carson, Mr. &Mrs. P. Conover Vanderveer. 

On Supplies. — Mr. & Mrs. Aslier Holmes, Mr. &Mr8. 
L. G. Schenck, Mr. & Mrs. John V. N. Willis, Mr. & Mrs. 
Charles Millspaugh. 

On Tent and Seats. — Messrs. A^anderbilt Whitlock, 
Peter C. Cortclyou, Gideon McDowell, James H. Baird. 

On Decoration. — Miss Alethia Cooke, Mrs. John 
Herbert, Mr. ct Mrs. James R. Cruikshank, Mr. & Mrs. 



6 

Daniel P. VauDorn, Misses Annie Smock, Libbie Smock, 
Annie Boice, Nelie Herbert, Kate Herbert, Jane A. 
Sclienck, Carrie Laird, Annie Vantlerveer, Mary L Whit- 
lock. Messrs. John Cooke, Du Bois Smock, Aaron 
Smock, Schenck Herbert, James Owens, John D. Cono- 
ver, Charles E. (Jonover, David A. Baird and Richard 
Herbert. 

The Deacons of the church were appointed to act as 
ushers. 

The tbl lowing- notice was inserted in the local pa- 
pers : 

SEMI-CENTENNIAL. 



The Congregation of the Brick ch;:rch, MrtrHicroiigii, will celebrate 
the 50th anniversary of the church's organizaticn, on Wednesday, Sep- 
tember 5th, 1877 — (D. V.j The exercises will be held in the church, and 
will begin at lOi o'clock, A. M. The services will open with the singing 
of the anthem sung 50 years ago at the dedication of the church. The 
pastor of the church will deliver an Historical Discourse in tlie morning, 
and in the afternoon short addresses will be delivered by the pastors of the 
churches formerly associated with, or springing from, the old mother 
church. A collation will be provided for all who may be present, and an 
invitation to old friends and acquaintances is cordially extended. 

Theo. W. Wells, Pastor. 

The Freehold and ISTew York Railway advertised spe- 
cial trains from Matawan and Freehold, for the accommo- 
dation of those wishing to attend the services. 



The Celebration. 



The day was all that the most ardent lover of nature 
could desire — one of the brightest jewels of the year — 
making joyous with its genial influence every heart. 

The people commenced assembling at an early hour, 
filling the ample grounds about the church, and reading 
with interest the inscriptions upon the many old tomb 
stones in the cemetery. 

The church was richly and handsomely adorned with 
iiovvers, evergreens, and mottoes bearing appropriate in- 
scriptions. 

The decorations were described in one of the county 
papers* as follows : 

111 the vestibule was tlie liospitalile motto, " Welcome." On the tront 
of the gallery, which runs around three sides of the church, were inscribed, 
in letters of evergreen, the names of tlie nine pastors formerly connected 
with the church, namely : Morca.n, Hakuhoort, Erickzon, DuBois, Van 
Vhaxken, Otterson, MARCELurs, Willis, Swain. As the present pastor, 
Mr. Wells, occupied tiie pulpit, which is on the south side of the building, 
he thus completed the circle of pastors. On tiie rear of the wall in the 
gallery, back of the choir, was the inscription : " Praise ye the Lord." — 
Over the entrance door to the left of the pulpit, was the date of the or- 
ganization of the church, 1699; while Over the other entrance, to tlie 
right, was the date 1877. The pillars back of the pulpit and those sup- 
porting the gallery, the windows, and the gallery front, were adorned with 
heavy cords of evergreens. The adornment of the pulpit was, however, 
the most tasteful and attractive feature of the decorations. In front of it 
was a table from the centre of which rose a stand of rare and exquisite 
flowers. Back of this, on the front of the pulpit, was a beautiful lute of 
evergreens. To the right and left of this were magnificent boquets. Im- 
mediately in the rear of the pulpit was a large motto in the shape of a 
shield, the inscription on which was " God is our Strength." .Above this 
were the words, " The Lord our God be with us as He was with our Fath- 
ers ; " and still above this was a dove with spread wings, made of white 
flowers. 



The Monmouth Democrat. 



8 

The exercises commenced promptly at 10.30, A. M., 
with the singing of an anthem entitled : " I was glad when 
they said unto me let us go to the house of the Lord."* 

The music for the occasion was furnished by the 
church choir and elicited much praise. The choir con- 
sisted of : 

Miss Tillie Conover, Organist ; Mrs. John V. N. Wil- 
lis, Soprano; Miss Minnie Conover, Alto; Mr. D. Aheel 
Statesir, Tenor; Mr. Lafayette S. Schenck, Basso. 

The pulpit was occupied by the pastor, Rev. Theo. 
W. Wells, Rev. William Reiley, I). D., Rev. Charles 8. 
Hageman, D. D., Rev. Charles D. Buck, Rev. James B. 
Wilson, Rev. Samuel L. Cox, and Rev. Garret C. Schencki 

After the singing of the anthem, an earnest and very 
appropriate prayer was offered by the Rev. Dr. Hageman, 
of the Second Reformed Church of Freehold. The fol- 
lowing hymn, composed l)y the Rev. Samuel A. Van 
Vranken, D. D., and sung at the dedication of tlie church, 
Sept. 9th, 1827, was then read by Rev. Jam.es B. Wilson, 
and sung to the same music as on the former occasion — 
the old version of the " Portuguese Hymn : " 

Here in Thy temple, God of grace and glory, 

Lo Thy people wait, the Lord oflife to meet; 
come this ilay, Thou mighty Prince and Savioiii'. 

come, for we would worsliip at Thy feet. 
Bless all Thy servants waiting at Tiiine altar : 

dlothe tliem with Thy grace to do Thy work, God ; 
With zeal and love to sound tiie great salvation, 

Our blest Redeemer purchased with His blood. 
Bless all Thy people in Thy courts attending, 

Thy good Spirit send, in answer to their calls; 
() tlien with joy we'll chiiut the loud Hosanna, 

And lusting be the echo from these walls. 
Thy kingdom prosper, thou great Jeiiovah ; 

Let victory's shout through all tlie nations run, 
Till other sound blown from archangel's trumpet 

.Announce the second advent of Thy Son. 
Then, farewell temples laid on earth's foundation, 

To loftier Courts the ransomed speed their way, 
.And joining all in one immense assembly. 

The arch of Heaven shall echo with their lav. 



See Appendix H. 



9 

At the conclusion of the singing the Rev. Samuel L. 
Cox, of the Baptist Church, Marlborough, read the first 
eight verses of the 44th Psalm, and the latter part of the 
46th Psalm, commencing with the eighth verse. After 
the reading of the Scriptures, the Rev. Charles D. Buck 
read the following hj'mn, written for the occasion by Miss 
Alethia Cooke, which the choir sung to the familiar tune 
entitled •' Missionary Hymn : " 

Thou God who led oiir fathers ; 

Tiiou God Jehovah, Lord ! 
Hear now our solemn praises, 

We raise with one accord. 
For blessings without number 

Through all the changing days ; 
For ev'ry Eben-ezer, 

We shout aloud thy praise. 

Be tiiou our shield and Saviour, 

While wrestling with our foes ; 
Grant us Thy love and favor, 

While passing through life's woes. 
Rejoicing in Thy pleasure 

Through all our dev'ous ways, 
We'll sing our Eben-ezer, 

And shout aloud Thy praise. 

When we lay down our armor, 

And cease our conflicts here. 
Through Christ our loving Saviour, 

We'll banish every fear ; 
Within the walls of jasper, 

With saints in glory raise 
Our songs of Eben-ezer, 

And shout aloud Thy praise — 

Hallelujah! hallelujah I amen! 

The discourse contained in the following pages was 
tlien delivered by the Pastor. 

At the conclusion of the discourse the Hon. George 
C. Beekman, of Freehold, offered with appropriate re- 
marks, the following resolution : 

Resolved. That the thanks of the people of Monmouth County, here 
present, be tendered to the Rev. Theodore W. Wells, Pastor of the Brick 
<;liuich, for the able, instructive and interesting address he has prepared, 
aad that a copy of the same be requested for publication." 



■I 



10 



The resolution having been carried unanimously, 
theDoxology, " Praise God from whom all blessings flow," 
was sung by the vast assembly, and then the congregation 
was dismissed by the Rev. G. C. Schenck, who blessed 
them in the name of the Triune Jehovah. 

A plentiful collation had been prepared by the ladies 
of the church, to wliich all present were invited. It is 
computed that not less than one thousand persons partook 
of refreshments. At three o'clock the church was again 
tilled and the exercises commenced by the singing of The 
Gloria from Mozart's Twelfth Mass. 

The following impromptu addresses were then deliv- 
ered, for the sketch of which we are indebted to the re- 
ports in the Monmouth Democrat and the Monmouth Inquirer : 

The Rev. Dr. Reiley, Pastor of the Reformed church of Holmdel, said 
that such a large concourse of people to show their respect and regard 
for the sanctuary- of the Lord was a very interesting fact. He remarked 
that he was present because he served the church which was regarded as 
a child of this Old Mother Church. " My church " he said, " is rather the 
sister of this one." They had a community of interests for many years, and 
are so nearly of an age, that some are perplexed to know which is the 
mother. He stated that it was fifty-two years since theyh.-td separated, and 
that since that time there had been increase in the daughter's household 
nearly equal to that enjoyed by the old Mother church. 

Mr. Wells said he had received letters of regret from the Rev. Ralph 
Willis, and the Rev. George Swain, the only living e.x-pastors of the 
church ; the former declaring his inability to be present on account of 
public duties, as Superintendent of Schools, and the latter declaring the 
overturning of his plans, much to his sorrow, by the death of one of the 
oldest members of his church, whose funeral was at 12, M. He also said: 
he had received a letter of congratulation from the Rey. James Bolton, 
■pastor of the Reformed church at Colts Neck — the youngest child of the 
Old Brick ckurch. 

The 566th hymn, " Hymns of the Church," was then sung, after which 
the Rev. Dr. Hageman, of Freehold, presented the salutations of the sec- 
ond daughter of the Brick church. He thought the second daughter was 
the fairest, and had thought so ever since he courted iiis wife. He said 
that the great power of the old Mother church existed in the fact that she 
had faithfully maintained the holy ordinances of the gospel, and had sought 
the extension of the Redeemer's Kingdom This church is stronger to-day 
by diffusion — by the organization of other churches from her members. 

The Rev. Garret C. Schenck, one of the sons of the church, and for 
many years a successful pastor, said that it was truly interesting to watch 



11 

the progress and advancement of the Christian church, in fulfillment of 
the prophecies of the word of God. He then referred to our ancestors 
seeking a home in the wildernesses of America, and asserting their faith in 
God's truthfulness, by bearing with them the Holy Scriptures and erect- 
ing churches where they built their homes. Mr. Schenck then exhibited 
two Bibles printed in the Dutch language, which, he said, were the pulpit 
Bibles of this old church ; one of them used in the church which stood 

where we were assembled, and the other in the church at Middletown. 

Mr. Schenck presented the books to the Consistories of the churches in 
which they had been used.* He also exhibited an old sermon printed in 
Dutch, published in 1758, written b; Daniel Hendrickson, many years 
an elder in this church, and commended in strong terms by his pastor, the 
Rev. Reynhard Erickzon. 

A part of the 575th hymn, " Hymns of the Church," was tlien sung, 
after which. Rev. James B. Wilson, of Long Branch, said : " I bear to vou 
the congratulations of the fifth daughter, who is not far from thirty years 
of age. The immigration of some families of tne Brick church con- 
gregation to Long Branch was the cause and origin of fhe Reformed 
church there." He said he had ministered twenty-six years at Long Branch, 
and that the congregation had been blessed by the Lord most abundantly. 
" This fifth daughter has two cliildren, the Sea-side Chape!, and the church 
at Asbury Park. The church at the Highlands is also a foster-child, 
having received most of its assistance and encouragement from the Long 
Branch congregation." He concluded by saying: " I hope the mother will 
remember the children and grand-children that God has given her. A 
mother's prayers never go unanswered. In answer to prayer God will 
pour out great blessings upon you, and upon us." 

Rev. Charles D. Buck said : he did not pretend to know anything 
about the churches of Monmouth County, but tliat he had learned a good 
deal through the day. " I come to tell you of a grand-daughter which is . 
full grown. I feel like a grand-child coming to see its grand-mother for 
the first time, and I am pleased to find that she is such a beautiful, vener- 
able old lady, fresh and youthful as ever. It was a happy thought in 
Brother Wells, to bring together the children, and recite the history of the 
past, so full of interest, before them. Memory never dies. In eternity we 
will remember the scenes of to-day, and the thoughts thus awakened, 
will add a stanza to our anthem of praise." 

The clioir and congregation then united in singing "Lord, dismiss us 
with Thy Blessing," and the Benediction was pronounced by the Rev. Dr. 
Reiley. 



* See Appendix G. 



THE DAYS OF OLD, 



A HISTORY OF THE 



Reformed Church of the Navasink, 

Now Known as the Brick Church, Marlborough, 
Monmouth County, New Jersey. 



DELIVERED AT THE CELEBRATION OF THE SEMI-CENTENNIAL 

ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEDICATION OF THE BRICK 

CHURCH, SEPTEMBER 5, 1877. 

By Rev. THEODORE W. WELLS, 

PASTOR OF THE CHURCH. 



Historical Address/ 



" I remember the clays of old," is the language of 
King David in the 143d Psalm. His words form a suita- 
ble and appropriate motto for my present discourse. They 
also furnish a royal precedent for considering the days of 
old, and teach us that in so doing we are all following the 
footsteps of the honored and good. 

The past is the mold, the fashioner of the present. Its 
manners and customs, its thoughts and religious life, the 
triumphs of its genius and the achievments of its piety, 
have made us what we are. The past is a store-house of 
instruction for the present. In it we discover how man- 
kind have struggled with the mysteries surrounding them, 
and from it we learn how they triumphed over difficulties 
and achieved noble things. It also contains a record of the 
dead, of those who were wrecked b\' life's tempests and 
storms, and of those who through faith out-weathered the 
i'ale and entered with iov the Haven of Rest. 

The past is a great benetVictor of the present. It gives 
us a legacy, better and more enduring than land titles or 
treasures, of far reaching influences which aftect the daily 
conduct and determine to a great extent our success or de- 
feat in the great battle of life. It gives us precious mem- 



* III the preparation of this history I have appropriated (acts where- 
ever found, and hereby aci<nowledge my indebtedness to " Corwin's Manual 
of the Reformed Church," to several manuscripts of the late Rev. Aaron 
A. Marcellus, deceased, and to the friendly co-operation and aid of the 
Rev. Garret C. Schenck. To give my authority for every statement made 
would encumber the pages with foot notes, and prove without interest to 
the reader. T. W. W. 



16 

ories, which cause us to view with reverential feelings the 
objects about which they may be entwined ; wliich snatch 
the soul away from the power of the present, and "advance 
us in the dignity of thinking beings." 

To you the past has given this christian church, with 
its precious memories, its halloweil associations, and its 
lioly influences, throngli which, as through a channel wide 
and deep, there has ever flowed to you the priceless bene- 
flts of religious instruction, and a mind made familiar 
with tlie truths of redemption. This church standsto-day, 
a monument of the past, perpetuating the faith of your 
buried ancestors, and reminding ytui that those whose 
names you bear possessed hearts flilcd with love of the 
Heavenly Father. Worsliiping here, we are surrounded 
witVi the memories of nearly two centuries, and can we not 
say, in the language of a distinguished Xcw England Poet : 

If leaflets from some hero's tomb, 

Or moss-wreath torn from ruins hoary. 

Or faded flowers wliose sisters bloom 

On fields renowned in story ; \ 

^ * :{; ^ ;^ >{; 

If it be true that things like these 

To heart and eye bright visions bring-. 

Shall not far holier memories 
To tliese memorials cling? 

Which need no mellowing mist of time 

To hide the crimson stains of crime ! 

A hundred and seventy-eight years ago a band of 
christian worshipers, desirous of enjoying the stated min- 
istrations of the means of gi'ace, founded for themselves 
and for their children, and for all whom the Lord their 
God should call, tliis christian church, Tliey came from 
a land overshadowed with " the "'randest historical asso- 
ciations and the noblest memories of the past;'' from a 
land, which, redeemed from the sea by the energy of its 
inhabitants, became the centre ot commerce and the niis- 
tress of the seas, and during the era of the great reforma- 
tion was the frequent scene of the purest patriotism, the 
most heroic courage, and the most unfaltering devotion 



17 

to the right, the world has ever witnessed. They came 
with strong faith in the God ot Heaven. They bore in one 
hand the Holy Bible, and with the other held aloft, as a 
true exposition of the truths of Redemption and a clear 
declaration of christian doctrine, the Heidelberg Cate- 
chism, the Belgic Confession of Faith, and the Canons of 
the Synod of Dordrecht. They founded this church, that 
they and their children might be duly instructed in the 
doctrines taught by these venerable symbols, and cheered 
by the hopes which such teaching inspires, they lived and 
labored and died in the Lord. They rest from their la- 
bors, and their works do follow them. 

r propose to relate the history of the church they es- 
tablished — the first Reformed church of Monmouth Coun- 
ty — the church with which so man}' of us are connected, 
in our several relations ns pastor, officers, families, and 
communicants. 

Our church records begin in 1709, one Ijundred years 
after Plendrick Hudson landed at the Highlands of the 
Navasink, the first European to set his foot upon the soil 
of Xew Jerse}', or to behold the fertile fields now known 
as Monmouth County, the garden of the State. 

The early settlement of the county is a portion of 
history I have not time to explore to any great extent. It 
commenced in 1665, the vear followins: the surrender of 
the Dutch Provinces in America to the British Crown. 
The first settlers were Scotch and English people from 
other American Provinces, with a few from Barbadoes 
and England. They formed the towns of Shrewsbury 
and Middletown, which in 1673 contained 128 white men. 
The township of Freehold was not formed until 1693. 

There are those who think there was a previous set- 
tlement by the Dutch, and a cluirch in this region, known 
as the Reformed Church of the Navasink. The most 
diligent research has failed to discover any historical data 
in support of such a statement. The church whose histo- 
ry I propose to relate is styled in the records in my pos- 
session, the Reformed Church of Freehold of the Nava- 



18 

sink. In 1738, in a record of a ministerial g-atliering in 
New York city, tlie residence of the pastor of this church 
is given as Neversink, and the Hon. G. C. Beekman has 
in his possession a letter bearing date 1754, directed 
''Roelif Schenck, JSTaversinks, near the Freehold church. "^ 
Mr. Schenck lived within a rifle shot of where I am stand- 
ing. The whole county of Monmouth, previous to 1683, 
is frequently called, in the Court Records, tlie county of 
l^ewasink.* 

The earliest reliable information we have of a Re- 
formed church in the county, is that in 1699, the Dutch 
families of Monmouth county were sufHcient in number 
to have stated preaching. This service was rendered ac- 
cording to agreement, by ministers from Long Island at 
appointed times in rotation. Their names were Wilhelmus 
Lupardus, Vincentius Antonidesand Bernardus Freeman. 
They were pastors of the collegiate churches of King's 
County, Long Island. Of the Rev. Mr. Lupardus nothing- 
is known. The Rev, Vincentius Antonides, who is de- 
scribed as an amiable christian gentleman, had a son 
named Johannes, who married Johanna Kowenhoven,. 
and settled in Middletown about 1720. He was a deacon 
in this church in 1726. The Rev. .Bernardus Freeman, 
before his settlement at Flatbush, was a missionary among 
the Mohawk Indians, and was celebrated in his day for 
his knowledge of the Indian language. 

These ministers, it is said, found their services here 
exceedingly burdensome because of " the distance they 
were compelled to travel, and the danger of crossing the 
great bay in small boats."' 



* Dominie Erickzon, when coramencmg the reeard of Baptisms admin- 
istered by himself, in 1736, says : "Baptismal record of the Reforme(J 
congregation of the Npvezink." The whole region between the Ocean and 
the Raritan river was known as the Navasink. So called because occu- 
pied by a sub-tribe of the Lenape Indians, the Navasinks. This same re- 
gion is sometimes called the Raritans. Families settling here are said to- 
have removed to the " Raritans,'' on the old charch records of Flatbus-h. 
Long Island. 



19 

This was undoubtedly immediately after the com- 
mencement of Dutch settlement in Monmouth County. 
The Dutch pioneers seldom delayed efforts for securing 
the benefits of stated religious services. 

The first intimation we have of a Dutch settler is 
from a deed conveying a small house and lot in Middletown 
to Deirick Teunison, in 1672. For the next twenty years 
there are only a few conveyances of real estate to Dutch 
people, and the localities conveyed are too scattered and 
the number of the Dutch too small to justify us in speak- 
ing of a Dutch settlement in Monmouth County, until 
about 1695. Bearing this date we find a deed of con- 
veyance executed to one Garrett Von Schenck. Two 
years later the names of Samuel Hoffmire and Garret Von 
Schenck are among the list of Grand Jurors. Soon after 
this we find the names of Jacob Van Dorn, John Schenck 
Johannes Polhemus, Cornelius Cowenhoven, Daniel Hen- 
drickson, Lawrence Van Kirk, John Wyckoff and Benja- 
min VanCleef. This brings us to 1707, when Aurie 
Booraem and one Van Brackel, are appointed Overseers of 
the Poor in Freehold. 

The majority of these persons came from Long Island, 
they or their parents having located there when arriving 
from Holland. Their families, and a few others, as they 
settled here from time to time, made up the congregation 
to which for ten years the Long Island pastors ministered, 
when their labors issued in the regularly organized Re- 
formed church of Freehold and Middletown. 

Other Dutch families intimately connected with the 
history of our church, followed soon after. In the Church 
Records we find the name of Smock in 1710, Van Mater 
and Sutphen 1713, Brower 1715, Van Der Veer 1723. A 
few Scotch and English families, who through intermar- 
riage have become Dutch, settled here much earlier. The 
name of Bown, Tilton, Holmes and Whitlock, are found 
among the first settlers in 1665. The Bairds made their 
appearance about 1680, and " Janathan Forman " was 



20 

made a Dntchnian by being received into the elinrcli in 
1713, the first adult to be baptised. 

The Bairds endeavored, but without success, to intro- 
duce a nevs^ mode of courtship. The first of that name 
was surnamed John, and tradition declares that one day 
he met Mary Hall, whom he afterward married, in the 
woods. As both were bashful, they halted at some dis- 
tance from each other, under a tree. It was love at first 
sight, and in a short time, John, who was a Quaker, broke 
the silence by saying: "If thou wilt marry me, say yea, 
if thou wilt not, say nay," Mary said " Yea," and proved a 
noble wife and mother. 

At this time the whole region now composing the 
townships of Marlborough, Manalapan, Freehold, Mill- 
stone, Upper Freehold, and a portion of Ocean County, 
was known as Freehold. The present townships of Mid- 
dletown, Holmdel, Raritan and Matavan were called Mid- 
dletown, while Atlantic, Shrewsbury and Ocean town- 
ships, together with a large portion of Ocean County, was 
designated Shrewsbury. 

In Middletown village there was an English church, 
where the Protestant Episcopal church now stands, and, 
also, an old Presbyterian church near Crawford Hendrick- 
son's, on what is known as the Presbyterian Burying 
Ground. This was an old, dilapidated building in Domi- 
nie Morgan's time, even then abandoned and left to de- 
cay. Its neglected condition annoj^ed the Dominie, and 
when riding by, if he saw the door or a window open, we 
are told he would stop, and dismounting his horse, reve- 
rently close the open door or window before proceeding 
on his way. 

The Scotch Presbyterians had a meeting house at the 
place now known as the Old Scotch Burying Ground, 
but at that time honored with the name of Freehill. " The 
Baptists of Monmouth County" also had a meeting house, 
described as standing " on the west side of a little brook 
called John Bray's brook, in the township of Middle- 
town." There was a Scotch and English Quaker meeting 



21 

liouse on the present site of the Topanamiis Burying 
Ground, which through the labors of George Keith, Sui^ 
veyor General of East Jersey, who led the Quakers into 
the Church of England, became the place of worship for 
the congregation now known as the Protestant Episcopal 
church of Freehold village. 

The Church Records begin with this statement, re- 
corded in the Low Dutch language : "In the year of our 
Lord, 1709, on the 19th of October, the Rev. Joseph Mor- 
gan, a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ, was installed 
as pastor of the Reformed congregation of Freehold and 
Middletown, in the presence of Rev. Bernardus Freeman, 
of King's County." 

Then, as now, it was the Reformed Church— nor 
should it be overlooked, that it is spoken of as the Re- 
formed congregation of Freehold and Middletown— one 
congregation, with families residing in the two townships 
ofFreeliold and Middletown, and sometimes called, as I 
have already remarked, the Congregation of the Navasink. 

The Consistory was composed of Peter VanDeventer 
and John Wyckoft; Elders, and Jacob Van Dorn and Gar- 
ret Schenck, Deacons. 

There were 49 in the communion of the church, 45 
of whom had been received by certificate and 4 by con- 
fession of faith in Christ. 

From this time to the present, a period of 168 years, 
this congregation has never been without the services of 
a settled pastor for a whole year but once. That was more 
than a century ago, when, for 15 months in 1735 and 6, 
there was no under-shepherd for the flock. This is a very 
remarkable record. The first Reformed Church duly or- 
ganized on the soil of New Jersey was the Reformed 
Church at Bergen, but this church was without a pastor 
until 1757. 

The first installed pastor of a Reformed Church in 
New Jersey was Rev. Guillaume Bertholf, who was in- 
stalled at Hackensack in 1694. The second pastor of a 



22 

Reformed church installed in tlie State was Rev. Josepli 
Morgan, at Freehold, in 1709. 

Until 1826 there was no other Reformed church in 
Monmouth county. Now there are nine, all of them the 
offspring of the Old Mother Church, over which, in 1709, 
the Rev. Joseph Morgan was installed. At this time Mr. 
Morgan was pastor of the Scotch Presbyterian church, the 
germ of the well known Old Tennent church. He was a 
Presbyterian minister and a Dutch dominie at the same 
time. When he appeared in Court to take tlie necessary 
oaths as a minister of the Gospel, he was presented by rep- 
resentatives of both congregations. These oaths were 
required because he was not a minister of the church of 
England. According to " An Act of Parliament for Ex- 
empting her Majesties Protestant subjects discenting from 
the Church of Englaiid, from the penalties of certain 
laws," everv minister not in the communion of tlie 
English church was obliged to take oath that he would 
not teach the doctrine of Transubstantiation, nor any- 
thing contrary to the doctrine of the Trinity, as taught 
in the thirty-nine articles of the English church. Tiiis 
was called " qualifying," and in this manner Pominie 
Morgan " qualified " himself, in December, 1709, having 
been "presented by several of said congregation, viz : Ja- 
cob Laen, John Wikof, John Sutfin, William Hendrick- 
son, John Essmith, William Wilkins and Anri Mattison, 
in behalf of themselves and the rest of their brethren." 
The first three of these persons were in the communion of 
the Reformed church, tlie others represented the Scotch 
Presbyterians. 

During his whole ministry Dominie Morgan was con- 
nected with the Presbytery of Philadelphia, to which lie 
was amenable. The circumstances which led to his set- 
tlement among the Dutch were his ability to preach in 
the Low Dutch language, and the willingness of himself 
and the Scotch Presbyterians to give the Dutch three- 
fourths of his services — an arrangement it would have 



been impossible to make had not the Dutch congregation 
been the most flourishing. 

At this time Monmouth county was little less than a 
forest. Here and there was a clearing, but the settlements 
were widely scattered, the streams unbridged, and the 
roads not much more than paths through the wilderness. 
Horse-back riding for many years was a necessity. In 
the latter part of his ministry Dominie Morgan, it is said, 
attracted attention by riding through the country in a two 
wheeled cart or gig — probably the first thing of the kind 
brought into the county. That was more than a century 
and a half ago, but even to this day, as I know from ex- 
perience, the people laugh if they see tlieir minister riding 
in a sulky. 

Mr. Morgan was probably of Welsh origin. He was 
born in 1674. When 23 years of age he was ordained in 
Connecticut to the Gospel ministry. He was 35 years old 
when becoming the pastor of this church. He had previ- 
ously been settled over the Presbyterian churches of Bed- 
ford and East Chester, in New York, and afterwards min- 
istered to the churches of Hopewell and Maidenhead, New 
Jersey. He was persecuted in his ministry on account of 
the manner of his ordination and his use of notes in 
preaching. He incurred the ill-will of Dominie Freling- 
huysen, of Six-Mile-Run, the most influential Dutch minis- 
ter in this section of the State, by baptising the children 
of some of the disaffected members of his congregation, 
who applied for such service. Our baptismal register 
contains the record. In bitter retaliation Dominie Fre- 
linghuysen denounced him as " the friend and advocate of 
a lifeless, God-dishonoring formality." In 1728 various 
charges were brought against him, such as practicing As- 
trology, countenancing promiscuous dancing, and trans- 
gressing in drink, but they were not sustained. About 
ten years after this, intemperance was proved against him 
and he was suspended from the ministry. He was fully 
restored in 1738. Two years later, having heard George 
Whitfield preach, he was so affected with Whitfield's spir- 



24 

it that he went forth as an Evangelist, proclaiming the 
Gospel towards the sea coasts of New Jersey and other 
places destitute of the means of grace. He died Avhile en- 
gaged in these missionary lahors, 66 years of age, and was 
laid to rest in a o-rave unknown. 

He was a man of more than usual ability, a learned 
man and a scholar. He was the author of a number ot 
printed sermons, on various subjects, and published sev- 
eral theological treatises. A Latin letter written by him to 
Cotton Mather, the most eminent clergyman of JSTew Eng- 
land, bearing date 1721, is preserved at Worcester, Mas- 
sachusets. The testimony of the Consistory, at the time of 
his leaving this congregation, gives him a reputation for 
piety and ministerial fidelity scarcely equalled by any of 
the ministers at that time in the country. They declare 
him to be "a man of acknowledged orthodoxy and exem- 
plary character." Their language is " we have enjoyed 
the services of Dominie Morgan, who, according to his 
ability, has fliithfully and zealously performed the duties 
of his charo;e." Dr. Reilev informs me that he was told 
by the Rev. Dr. Thomas De Witt that Dominie Morgan 
learned the Dutch language out of pure zeal for the Lord's 
work, that he might be able to preach to the Dutch peo- 
ple, among whom he found himself placed. His labor 
Avas not in vain in the Lord. 

In 1714, five years after the installation of Dominie 
Morgan, the land on which this building stands, and the 
adjoining farm of Mr. Daniel P. Conover, became the pro- 
perty of the church. It was first bought of one Richard 
Salter or Sadler, in 1709, for the sum of 450 pounds, by 
(ihertie Romain, widow of Stotfell Romain, ''for the use 
of the Dutch Presbyterian minister." In 1714 it Avas con- 
veyed by Jacobus Romain, her son, to John Schenck and 
Cornelius Cowenhoven, of Middletown, and Peter Tyson, 
of Freehold, in trust for the use of the congregation. Be- 
cause of the uncertain tenure of lands and the conflict of 
titles at that early day, the same property, with the addi- 
tion of 30 acres, was deeded, in 1748, to Cornelius Yim 



25 

Der Veer, of Muldletown, and John Hans, of Freehold, " in 
trust for tlie Low Dutch congregation of Protestants, as 
the same was estahlished hy th.e Synod of Dort, in tlie 
years 1618 and 19, to be equally divided between the two 
congregations of Freehold and Middletown, botli in quan- 
tity and quality." This deed was executed by Thomas 
Kinnan. The property was occupied by Dominie Mor- 
gan as a parsonage. It is described as containing " 100 
acres of good arable land, as good as any in Freehold, on 
which a family may subsist comfortabl3\" Dominie Mor- 
gan, it is said, realized at least 30 pounds a year from his 
farming operations " besides his own bread." Its loca- 
tion is designated " five quarters of an hours distance 
from tlie waters edge, and the half of a quarter of an hours 
distance from the church." 

The question now arises, where ivas the church, the 
Jirst Reformed church of Monmouth county, located? 
Two places are referred to as the probable site. The Rev. 
Aaron A. Marcellus, to whoju I am indebted for much 
valuable information, saj-s, in a book of historical notes, 
that the old church stood either on the brow of the hill, 
on the right-hand side of the turnpike, just as you cross 
the bridge near the mill in going from the church to 
Marlborough, or on Ilendrickson's Hill, the large knoll 
on which a solitary apple tree is now growing, almost di- 
rectly in the rear of the present parsonage at Marlbo- 
rough. Between these two places it is not difficult to decide. 
There is in the former place an old grave yard, whose ex- 
istence has probably led to the conclusion that a church 
once stood there ; but in tracing the history of this bury- 
ing ground, I find it was formerly known and called 
Hance's burying ground, and was a portion of the estate 
of John Ilance,* one of the original proprietors under the 
Nicholls patent. This proves conclusively that the old 

* Some persons tliink tliis n;ime should be spelled Hans, pronounced 
Honce. If so, the property in question did not belong to the John Hance 
mentioned, but to a Dutcii family whose name I find on the baptismal 
register in 1735, Johannes llanse and Lena Willerase, his wife. 



26 

church did not stand there. Burying grounds invariably 
take the name of the church to which tliey belong. The 
tradition which fixes the site of the old church on Hen- 
drickson's Hill, is probably correct. 

In tracing back the title to the property in question, 
I find that more than a century ago, a quarter of an acre 
of land, which takes in Hendrickson's Hill, was deeded 
several times to difl^'erent parties, until at length it became 
the property of Mr. John H. Smock, who owned the ad- 
joining land. When we remember that in those days set- 
tlers, instead of buying just land enough to build on, 
sous:ht laro;e tracts of land — that the division of farms has 
always been obnoxious to the taste of the Dutch 3'eomanry, 
and that the sale of small parcels of land is of compara- 
tively recent origin — it seems almost certain that this quar- 
ter of an acre was set ofi"and fenced about for some spe- 
cial purpose, a school house or a church. Among the 
Dutch the same building frequently served both purposes 
— was called a " Gabat House," or prayer house — and was 
used for religious worship on Sunday, and as a school 
house through the week. It may be the first church par- 
took of this character. The building which formerly 
stood on Hendrickson's Hill, and was taken down more 
than 50 years ago, was just such a building as a pioneer 
people would be likely to erect as a house of worship. It 
was about twenty feet square, with a steep gable roof. 
The sides were shingled. The door was in the middle of 
one of the sides, and was quite large. There was a win- 
dow on each side of the door. There were no partitions 
within, but one room occupied the whole space. Such a 
building would not have been erected for dwelling pur- 
poses. It was used as a dwelling in later years, but only 
after additions were built and alterations made. It was a 
very old building when taken down. It is also well 
known that 50 years ago, when the congregation was di- 
vided in opinion and sentiment concerning the location of 
the Brick church, some wished to have it placed on 
Hendrickson's Hill. As at that time there was no 



27 

village at Marlborough, the only apparent reason for such 
a desire is the fact, then better known than at present, 
that the first church stood there. So confident am I that 
this is the fact, I think the property should be purchased 
and a suitable monument erected thereon to the memory 
of the founders of the Reformed Church in Monmouth 
count}'. 

At this time, 1709, there was no house of worship 
belonsfino; to the Reformed Church at Middletown. The 
deed for the Middletown church property was executed 
in 1723.^ This was after the erection of the church. In 
describing the property, the deed locates the place of 
beo'innino; a certain number of chains " southeast of the 
Meetins: House," The date of the erection of the church 
is unknown. It was probably commenced as early as 
1721, as at that time I find a permanent increase in the 
number of Elders and Deacons composing the Consistory. 
This church was located about half a mile beyond the 
present Holmdel parsonage, on the road leading to Mid- 
dletown village, near an old burying ground. We know 
nothino; in relation to its former size. From some old 
papers in possession of Dr, Reiley, we are led to suppose 
that it must have been built in squares, without pews. 
There seems to have been eleven of these squares, besides 
benches. There are still extant curious lists of these 
squares and their occupants, Avhich show that the present 
congregation is to a great extent descended from those 
who reared the old building. It was pulled down or de- 
stroyed in 1764. The property on which it stood was 
conveyed to Daniel Hendrickson and Johannes Polhemus, 
by Andrew Johnson, of Middletown, in consideration of 
the sum of three pounds " for the sole use, benefit and 
behoof of the people belonging to the religious society 
known as the Dutch Presbyterians." Previous to the 
erection of the Middletown church the only Reformed 
church building in Monmouth county was the one located 
on Ilendrickson's Hill, in the present towns])ip of Marl- 
borough, then forming a part of the township of Freehold. 



28 

This is the reason why the congregation is always called, 
in the early church records, the congregation of " FreeJwld 
and Middletown." Dominie Morgan's ministry lasted 22 
years. He received 100 persons into the communion of 
the church, the first of whom, Jan Roraain, Benjamin 
Keener, Derrick Barkalow and Janake, his wife, were 
received the 13th of May, 1711- He baptized 582 infants, 
the first of whom was Abraham, son of Jacob Van Dorn, 
October 20, 1709. In 1721 a revival was enjoyed, when 
12 persons united with the church at one time. He 
preached his farewell sermon August 2, 1731. 

The Rev. Gerardus Haeghoort, a licentiate of the 
Classis of Amsterdam, Holland, succeeded Mr. Morgan. 
He came in answer to a call sent by the Consistory to the 
above mentioned Classis, with the request that they would 
send them a suitable minister. Accompanying this call 
there is an interesting description of such a minister as 
the Consistory suppose would be acceptable to their peo- 
ple. He was to be a person of competent abilities, not 
more than 35 years of age, whether married or unmarried 
it mattered not. He was to be sound in the faith of the 
Reformed Church, well educated, exemplary and prudent. 

The call also contained the following stipulations. 
The pastor is to preach in two places, Freehold and Mid- 
dletown, on alternate Sabbaths, the two meeting houses 
being " about an hour and a half's travel apart." He is 
to observe New Year's day, Paas, Pinxter, Ascension 
and Christmas days, "according to the custom of a ma- 
jority of the churches in this country." The Lord's Sup- 
per is to be administered quarterly and alternately in 
either church, the preparatory service having been held 
on the preceeding Thursday. 

For such services the Consistory promise him the 
entire use of the parsonage and farm in Freehold, " on 
which in a short time the church will be placed, not far 
from the minister's house." They promise him annually 
70 pounds good currant money, in exact half yearly pay- 
ments — a custom still in vogue. They also promise to 



29 

repair the parsonage according to the Dominie's wishes, 
after his arrival, and likewise to furnish him with a good 
riding horse — a custom now obsolete. The congregation is 
described as " live-quarters of an hour's travel in breadth, 
in the middle, and full three Dutch " or twelve English 
" miles in length." And the consistory assure the Classis 
that if the minister they send is not accustomed to farming 
" he could let the farm for two-thirds of its yield, or hire a 
farmer for 15 pounds, or by the assistance and instruction 
of friends he would be able in a few years to manage the 
farm." We know not which method the Dominie pursued. 

This call was signed by Jan Kowenhoven, Garret 
Schenck, Elbert Williamse and Cornelius WyckofF, El- 
ders, and Dirk Barkalow, Hendrick Kip, Jan VanMater, 
and William Covenhoven, Deacons. It was moderated 
and attested by the Rev. Gaultherus DuBois, who seems 
to have been very much in the esteem and confidence of 
the people. He was pastor of the Collegiate Eeformed 
church of New York city. " He was more like a Bishop," 
says Dr. DeWitt, " among the Dutch churches, than the 
pastor of a single organization." 

Mr. Haeghoort having accepted this call, was sol- 
emnly ordained by the laying on of hands, and installed 
pastor of the church of Freehold and Middletown, by the 
Classis of Amsterdam, Holland. On the 9th of August, 
1731, he was introduced to his charge by the liev. Gaul- 
therus DuBois, who preached a sermon on the occasion. 
Mr. Haeghoort delivered -his inaugural sermon in the af- 
ternoon of the same day, taking for his text, Rom. 1:15: 
" As much as in me is I am ready to preach the gospel to 
vou." He seems to have been a man of great respecta- 
bility as a preacher, and to have enjoyed in a good degree 
the confidence and esteem of his people. His wife's name 
was Catherine de Loij, who came with him from Holland. 
Four years after his arrival, he resigned his call to become 
pastor of the Reformed church at Second River, [now 
Belleville, Essex county, N. J. There is on our records 
a minute signed by the Consistory, expressing their heart- 



30 

felt sorrow under the dispensation of Providence, by wliich 
they were so soon deprived of their pastor's faithful ser- 
vices, and their wishes that God would bless his labors in 
the future no less than in the past, and "that he might 
find himself no less beloved, to the honor of God's great 
name and to his own satisfaction." The last clause gen- 
tly intimates that the Consistory thought him a little too 
ambitious. 

For 15 years Mr. Haeghoort's relations to the church 
at Second River were delightful and pleasant. Dissatis- 
faction then took the place of harmony and love. The 
church doors were closed against him, and he preached 
to a few friends from the steps of the church. His salary 
was withheld, and for so long a time that the possession 
of some property brought with him from Holland, alone 
saved him from needing the very necessaries of life. A 
thorough Dutchman, he maintained his ground, triumphed 
over his enemies, and continued the pastor of the church 
until in 1776, when he died, and was buried within the 
walls of the church, immediately in front of the pulpit; 
and tliere his remains are now, awaiting the coming of the 
Lord and the general resurrection. 

During the first year of Mr. Haeghoort's ministry, 
and previous to September, 1782, the congregation com- 
menced the erection of a house of worship on the site we 
now occupy. They were so evenly divided in sentiment 
and desire that at a meeting called for deciding the loca- 
tion of the church, they agreed that tlje church should 
stand on the site to which the first load of stone for build- 
ing purposes, was carted. It was late in the afternoon 
when the meeting adjourned, but Mr. Roelefi Schenck, 
more frequently called Black Roelefi", immediately went 
home, hitched up his team, gathered the stones and carted 
them to the lot on which this building stands. That de- 
cided the matter. 

This Roelefi" Schenck was a large, muscular, and very 
strong man. According to tradition, a professional prize 
fighter, having heard of his strength, was desirous of test- 



31 

ing his physical endurance. For this purpose he came to 
see him. Roeleft" was returning from the fields with his 
plow upon his shoulder, when he met the stranger. 
Engaging in conversation with hini he placed the plow 
upon the ground; hecoraing deeply interested as the 
conversation advanced he grasped the handle of the plow, 
and holding it out at arm's length, as we would a cane, 
pointed out with it the various localities of which he was 
speaking. The prize fighter looked on in utter amaze- 
ment, when suddenly he remembered that he wished to 
see another man by the name of Schenck, on important 
business, and started oft' to find him. 

The buildino; which the cono^reo^ation erected on the 
site to which Roeleft"carted the stones was a good, substan- 
tial edifice, nearly as large as the one we now occupy. There 
were three windows on each side, and a large double 
arched door in the center of the o-able end fiicins^ the road. 
It had a steep, hip roof, surmounted by a small belfry, 
crowned with the four points of the compass and a large 
brass rooster. This finial is now the property and is in 
the possession of Mr. Asher Holmes. There were galleries 
extendino; about three-fourths of the lenoth of each side, 
and entirely across the front. The building was ceiled 
within with boards standin2: on end. The ceiling- over- 
head met from each side in the center, from which a 
large wooden ornament resembling an acorn was pendent. 
The pulpit was small, but quite high. It was reached 
by a narrow flight of stairs, and over it hung a sounding 
board to give volume and depth to the minister's voice. 
For many years there were no pews in the building. The 
congregation sat on benches, the men around the wall, 
the women in the center. Some used double chairs, such 
as were generally used in wagons in those days, and may 
occasionally be seen even now about old farm houses. 
Some of the families would ride to church in these chairs 
and thfn taking them out of their wagons would carry 
them into the church for use during service. Others, the 
aristocracy I suppose, kept such seats especially for use in 



32 

the sanctuary. A great many would ride to cliurch on 
horseback. One horse generally carried a man and his 
wife, and very frequently the baby also. Carriages were 
unknown. The first family carriage in this vicinity was 
owned by Mr. John H. Smock, and was purchased about 
seventy-five years ago. Farm wagons without springs 
were thouo;ht to be comfortable. There were no means 
for heating the church. Stoves were not in existence. 
Private houses were made warm by the use of large fire- 
places, but churches were built without chimneys. The 
ladies brought with tliem small foot-stoves, which kept 
their feet warm, while good homespun, cloth in ample 
folds, protected their persons. 

" ! the pleasant days of old, which so often people praise ! 
True, they wanted all the luxuries tliat grace our modern days : 
Bare floors were strewed with rushes — the walls let in the cold ; 
! how they must have shivered in tliose pleasant days of old." 

In this building the congregation worshiped more 
than ninety years. It was taken down in 1826, to make 
room for the house we are now occupying. Mr. Ilaeg- 
hoort continued the pastor of the church ou\y four A-ears. 
He baptized 123 infants, and when resigning his call, Au- 
gust 17, 1735, left 119 persons in the communion of the 
church, 67 ot whom were in the congregation of Freehold, 
and 52 in that of Middletowth 

The year following the resignation of Mr. Ilaeghoort, 
the Rev. lle^nihard Erickzon was recommended to the 
Consistory as one who would probably be found an accept- 
able pastor, by the Rev. Theodorus Jacobus Frelinghu}^- 
sen,* of Raritan. The result is thus recorded in the 
handwriting of Mr. Frelinghuysen : 



* The first minister of the Reformed Church in Central New Jersey, 
1720. Gilbert Tennent, George Whitfield and Jonathan Edwards speak 
of him as one of the great divines of the American church. He was the 
great grandfather of the late Hon. Theodore Frelinghuysen, who for many 
years was President of Rutgers College. — See Corwin's Manual of Ref. Ch., 
pp. 87. 



33 

" la the year 17.36, in December, a meeting of the Consistory was held 
at Freehold of the Navasink, at which were read the call of the Rev. Reyn- 
hard Erickzon, and his honorable dismission and certificate from the con- 
gregation at Schenectady. The which certificate being found lawful and 
constitutional, the Rev. R. Erickzon was received and recognized as pas- 
tor and teacher of the congregation of Freehold and Middletown, by the 
Rev. Consistory of that place. 

"T. J. FRELINGHUYSEN, President Pro Tem." 

During the first twelve years of Mr. Erickzon's min- 
istry, after which for some cause tlie record ceases, 80 
were added to the communion of the church. He bap- 
tized 708 infants. On the 20th of May he administer- 
ed the rite to Garitje and Jantje, twin daughters of 
William Cowenhoven and Elizabeth Aumack. When 
recording the baptism of his own son the Dominie is very 
explicit in stating the time of his birth. The record reads : 
" Wileni, born the 12th of September, 1737, at ten o'clock 
in the morning." He was the first pastor of the church 
to keep a record of marriages, 44 of which he solemnized 
during the first ten years of his ministry, when the record 
ceases. The first marriage recorded is that of Johannes 
Langstraat and Antje Kouwenhove, Dec. 17, 1736. The 
records show that it was not as easy to get married in 
those days as it is at present. The law made it necessary 
for the persons desirous of being joined in wedlock to 
have their names entered on the church register, together 
with the places of their birth and their present residences, 
and public notice given of their purpose three or four 
weeks before the marriage ceremony was performed. 
Failing in this they were obliged to procure a special 
license from the Governor of the Colony. An extract 
from the records may be of interest to those who are con- 
templating matrimony : 

" In 1740, October 4th, there was entered and published the mutual 
purpose of marriage of Jan Sutveen, a young man born and living in 
Freholt, and Pieternella Stout, a young woman born in Middletowne and 
living in Freholt, and October 30tli they were married." 

" In 1741, Aug. I2th, Roelef Couwenhoven, a young man, and Jan- 
netje Hendrikzon, a young woman, with his Excellencies License were 
married." 



34 

The license they procured — following the form then 
in use, as I find it in an old issue of the New York Ga- 
zette — probably read as follows : 

"By his Excellency, Lewis Morris, Esq., Captain General and Gover- 
nor-in-Cliief of tlie Province of New Jersey in America, Vice Admiral of 
the same, and Colonel in His Majesty's army, to any Protestant minister : 
Whereas there is a mutual purpose of marriage between Roelef Couwen- 
hoven of Freehold, Monmouth county, of the one party, and Jannetje Hen- 
drikson of the same place, spinster, of the other party, for which they have 
desired mj' license, and have given bond upon conditions that neither of 
them have anj' lawful let or impediment ot precontract, affinity or con- 
sanguinity to hinder their being joined in the holy bonds of matrimony ; 
these are therefore to authorize and empower you to join the said Roelef 
Couwenhoven and Jannetje Hendrikzon in the holy bonds of raatrimonj', 
and them to pronounce man and wife. 

"Given under my hand and prerogative seal at Kingsbury, tlie 16th 
day of July, in the 15th year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George 
the 2d, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France and Irehind, King, 
Defender of the Faith, Annoque Domini, 1741. 

[-. ) Sect. LEWIS MORRIS." 

Such a license was quite expensive, and therefore by 
far the greater number preferred to have their names en- 
tered on the church register, and their purpose of mar- 
riage published from the pulpit, although the expectant 
bride, if present at the time, was suffused with blushes, or, 
if not very pious and unable to pass-such a trying ordeal, 
denied herself for a time the privilege of attending the 
services of the sanctuary. Customs ma}- change, but wo- 
man remains the same. 

Poniinie Erickzon was a Swede. He came to Amer- 
ica in 172.'^. He was then about 25 years of age. He 
sailed from Holland with his brother and sister in the ship 
King George, Captain Saul Payton. He was first settled 
at Hackensack, Paramas and Schraalenbergh, where his 
labors were very greatly blessed of God, and converts 
were multiplied. After a three years ministry he re- 
moved to Schenectady, and there also was cheered and 
greatly encouraged by constant and growing accessions 
to the communion of the church. 

For a portion of the time he ministered at stated 
periods to the people of Schoharie, in the Old Dutch 



35 

Church, of which, in after years, my father was pastor, and 
which still stands, although unoccupied for many years, 
at the northern end of Schoharie village, a memento of 
the Kevolution, and associated with the memories of mj' 
own childhood. 

When entering upon his labors here, Mr. Eriekzon 
was in the prime of life, an cxj^erienced pastor, and a suc- 
cessful minister. He was a man of considerable intellect- 
ual ability, highly esteemed by his ministerial associates, 
and influential in the counsels of the church. He was as- 
sociated with the Frelinghuysens, Goetschius, Ilarden- 
bergh and Westerlo in. preparing young men for the 
Gospel ministry. Johannes Schuyler, who for a long time 
was the only pastor of the Reformed Church in Schoharie 
county, was one of his pupils. Tlie period of Mr. Erick- 
zon's ministry was one of confusion and high party spirit 
throughout the Dutch churches — occasioned by a differ- 
ence of opinion concerning the maintenance or the disso- 
lution of the connection subsisting between the churches 
of America and the Classis of Amsterdam, Holland. From 
the first settlement of the country the churches had looked 
to this Classis for clerical supplies. Ministers were or- 
dained by them with the approbation of the Synod of 
North Holland, and then sent to America to preach the 
Gospel. The churclies here were denied the privilege 
of granting license to their own young men. To be or- 
dained, a man was compelled to journey to Holland. 
This arrangement, because of its great inconvenience as 
the churches increased, became burdensome and odious 
to a large portion of the church membership. Those in 
favor of its abandonment, and the organization of an in- 
dependent Classis in this country, were called the Ccefiis, 
while those who desired to remain under the care of the 
Classis of Amsterdam, were called the Coiiferentia. The 
controversy was bitter, fierce and long. Some congrega- 
tions were rent in twain, and evil passions aroused, which 
issued in personal animosity and hatred. The confer- 
entia party was the most violent, but of both we can say : 



36 

" Opponents of that stubborn sort were they, 
Who, if they once grow fond of an opinion, 
They, call it honor, honesty, and faith. 
And sooner part with life than let it go." 

Dr. Strong tells us, in his history of Flatbush, from 
which locality a large number of our Monmouth county 
families immigrated, that on one occasion two of these 
ecclesiastical opponents meeting on the highway in their 
wagons, they refused to turn out for one another. The 
horses were stopped head to head. For awliile the two 
men gazed at each other furiously. Each then deliber- 
ately took out his pipe, and filling it with tobacco, com- 
menced to smoke — and there they sat and smoked and 
smoked. Their pipes grew hot but still the}' smoked. — 
How long I know not. It may be that at last their pipes 
proved a calumet of peace. Tobacco is soothing. A poet 
has said that : 

'' Savage warriors, softened by its breath, 
Unbind the captive hate liad doom'd to death." 

But from what is known of Dutch perseverence, we 
can probably say of these conferentia and coetus antag- 
onists, as it is written in song : 

" If they are not dead, 

They are smoking there still." 

Mr. Erickzon belonged to the coetus party. Both 
he and his Elder, Mr. J. Sutphin, subscribed the articles 
of organization in 1738. At the first meeting of the 
coetus, nine years after, in 1747, Mr. Erickzon was pres- 
ent with his Elder, Matthew Pieterson, and was chosen 
president. His name, as such, appears on the commission 
granted by the coetus party, in 1759, to the Rev. Tlieodo- 
rus Frelinghuysen* to solicit funds in Holland for found- 
ing a Dutch Academj' or Seminary in America, " in 



* He was the son of Rev. Theodorus Jacobus Frelinghuysen. He sailed 
from New York, Oct. 10th, 1759, to fulfill his commission, but he never 
returned. There is a mystery concerning iiis fate. The plans thus inau- 
gurated were not consummated until sixteen years later, when Queen's, 
now Rutgers, College was chartered. — " Coru-m's Manual." 



37 

which should be taught both tlie arts and theology." In 
this we learn the origin of the College and Seminary at 
New Brunswick, which have furnished the Reformed 
Church with the great majority of her ministers. 

Towards the close of his pastorate, because of some 
personal oftense, Mr. Erickzon joined the conferentia par- 
ty, but never became a very active partisan. He was 
married twice. The first time in 1726, at Hackensack, to 
Maria Provost. The second time, while settled here, in 
1736, to Sarah Luyster, the widow of Rulif Brokaw, and 
daughter of Johannes Luyster and Lucretia Brower, who 
resided near Middletown village. In the latter part of 
his ministry — which lasted for twenty-seven years — he be- 
came a victim to the drinking customs of the day. The 
Consistory made out charges against him, withheld his 
salary and excluded him from the pulpit. He continued 
to reside in the parsonage until 1770, six years after his 
successor was called. He then removed to New Bruns- 
wick, and resided with his daughter, Mrs. Van Norden. 
He died soon after this, and his widow returned to Mid- 
dletown, her native place. His remains, it is said, were 
also conveyed to Monmouth county for burial. If so, he 
lies in an unknown grave, though worthy of being honor- 
ed as one of the fathers of the American Reformed Church. 
An excellent portrait of him is in the possession of Rev. 
Garret C. Schenck. 

In justice to the memory of Dominie Morgan and 
Dominie Erickzon, both of whom, when advanced in life, 
were " overtaken with a fault," throucjh the drinking: 
customs of the day, it seems to me necessary to draw the 
vail from a portion of history I would gladly overlook — 
the universal use in that day of intoxicating liquors. 
During the eighteenth century every family used wine or 
rum, more freely and frequently than they now use tea or 
coffee. It was a breach of etiquette not to offer your 
guests some sort of liquor, a greater breach for the guest 
to refuse the offered cup. The Dominie, in visiting his 
congregation, was expected to drink at every house he en- 



38 

tered. Those still living, have told me of their giving 
great offence to christian families, when the_y first entered 
the ministry, by refusing to drink with them. Farmers 
thought it impossible to get through harvest without pro- 
viding their hired men with plenty of rum. Wine flowed 
freely, not only at weddings, but even at funerals. Many 
who entered the ministry, not more than fifty years ago, 
were denounced and persecuted, because of their teaching 
the necessity of total abstinence. The wonder is not, 
that now and then, in advanced life, a minister of the 
Gospel fell before the vice. The wonder is, that the 
church itself was not utterl}^ destroyed. Nothing but the 
omnipotent grace of the Lord Jesus Christ saved it from 
annihilation. It becomes us to send on high loud halle- 
lujahs of thanksgiving to God for the great change 
wrought in opinion and sentiment and custom, through 
the power of the Gospel, and to cherish towards those 
who having fought boldly and manfully for God in the 
prime of life, but who through the weakness of old age un- 
wittingly went astra^', that charit}', without which our own 
character is nothing. The Captain of our Salvation leads 
many a wounded, crippled soldier to glory. 

The venerable Dr. James S. Cimon has related an in- 
cident that occurred not long after the Consistorj' of this 
church denied Dominie Erickzon the use of the pulpit. 
The Dominie was in company, one evening, at the liouse 
of a friend in the citv of New York, with one Eirens Van 
Der Speigel, who seems to have been — 

" A crejiture of one miglily sens.e, 
Concentrated impudence." 

In the course of the evening they chanced to converse 
upon the duties of the ministry'. Mr. Erickzon dwelt 
much on their arduous nature. Mr. Van Der Speigel 
thought there was much to be done in the way of visiting, 
attending funerals, and other pastoral labors, but as to 
'preaching, that was nothing. Mr. Erickzon thought he 
knew very little of what he affirmed. But Van Der Spei- 
gel said, he thought he could himself preach as good a 



39 

sermon as any other man. Mr, Erickzon replied, " I 
would like to see you make the attempt." " I am willing 
to do so," Mr. Van Der Speigel said, " if you will give 
me an opportunity." It was then agreed that the same 
party should meet at a private house, on a certain evening 
and that Mr. Van Der Speigel should preach. The eve- 
ning arrived. The party assembled, and by private invi- 
tations and the earnest solicitations of Mr. Erickzon, had 
been swelled to quite a large audience ; a hymn was sung 
and the Dominie requested to lead in prayer, which he 
did, and then took his seat directly in front of the speak- 
er. Mr. Van Der Speigel took his text " Be not drunk 
with wine wlierein is excess," and proceeded in a bold 
and eloquent manner to deliver a discourse which had 
been previously delivered by a minister in Holland, be- 
fore his Classis, at the deposition of a minister for intem- 
perance, and which Mr. Van Der Speigel had committed 
thoroughly to memory. As he proceeded to speak of the 
evils of intemperance in general, Mr. Erickzon became 
uneasy in his seat. As he went on to speak of its aggra- 
vations in professors of religion, Mr. Erickzon began to 
wriggle exceedingly, turning now one side and now the 
other to the speaker, and glancing furtively around upon 
the assembly, Mr. Van Der Speigel at length came to 
the main branch of his discourse, " the evil influence of 
intemperance in a minister of the Gospel," Mr. Erick- 
zon's choler rose higher and his position in his chair was 
changed more frequently, until the application of the dis- 
course becoming too pointed to be longer endured, he 
sprang to his feet and witJi a significant gesture, similar 
to that of a man in whipping his horse, he exclaimed, in 
Dutch, " I can no longer bear it and I will no longer bear 
it." He was as good as his word. He abandoned excess. 
He became temperate. Both he and Dominie Morgan, 
though they fell, like is'oah, like Noah rose again victorious- 
ly, and triumphed through the grace of the Lord Jesus 
Christ. A cloud sometimes obscures the sun, but after a lit- 
tle while the sun shines again as brightly as ever ; and so 



40 

the lives of these two men, obscured for a moment by a 
passing cloud, shine out at the last brightly and gloriously. 
Their foes were mighty, the conflict was fierce, but they 
came off as conquerors through Him who loved them ; and 
receiving the crown, heard their victory proclaimed in the 
blessed words, "Well done, enter into the joy of your 
Lord." 

In 1764, the same year in which Mr. Erickzon's min- 
istry closed, Rev. Benjamin DuBois, a young man, just 
licensed by the American Classis to preach the Gospel, 
was called to occupy the vacant pulpit, There is no re- 
cord to be found of his installation and ordination. 

He was born at Pittsgrove, Salem county, N. J., 
March 30th, 1739, and was baptised in the Presbyterian 
church there in which his father was an Elder. He 
was the son of Lewis DuBois, a lineal descendent of the 
French Huguenots of ISTew Paltz. His mother's name 
was Margaret Jansen, who was born in Kingston, of Low 
Dutch descent. He was educated at Poughkeepsie, and 
studied theology with Rev. Johannes H. Goetschius, of 
Hackensack, jST. J. A short time after his settlement 
here, he married Phemertje Denise, the daughter of Tunis 
Denise and Francynthe Hendrickson, of Freehold, a wo- 
man of intelligence and activity, sprightly, prudent and 
pious. They had ten children, four sons and six daugh- 
ters, all of whom were married, were highly respected for 
their virtuous principles and became members in full com- 
munion of the Church of Christ. Four of them settled in 
this locality, and their descendents are very largely repre- 
sented here to-day, among those who are active in the 
work of the Lord. When Mr. DuBois commenced his 
ministry, the coetus and conferentia difficulties were at 
their height. He had preached but a short time when he 
delivered a sermon, which greatly displeased his predeces- 
sor, Mr. Erickzon, who still resided in the congregation, 
and then consorted with the conferentia party. The con- 
gregation was divided in opinion and sentiment. The con- 
troversy grew more and more intense for years. The 



41 

Couferentia party became extremely violent. They re- 
fused to attend religious services conducted by Mr. Du 
Bois. They even went so far as to call for the perform- 
ance of the appropriate duties of their pastor, by one of 
the ministers of their own party from a neighboring con- 
gregation. A minute is entered on the records of the 
church, from which it appears, that in 1770, the Rev. 
Isaac Rysdyck, pastor of the churches at Fishkill, Hope- 
well and iSTew Hackensack, a violent partisan and one of 
the most prominent of the Conferentia party, visited the 
congregation, and on the 16th of September, baptised five 
children at Middletown. A few days after he baptised 
another child, and together with the Elders of the church 
at Middletown, received five persons into the communion 
of the church, on confession of their faith. At this time, 
it is said, to the honor of the congregation, the church 
was closed against Mr. Rysdyck, who was compelled to 
preach in a barn, somewhere in Middletown. At this 
time he also administered the sacrament of the Lord's 
Supper to the Conferentia party. A more unwarrantable 
interference with the duties of a pastor, or a greater 
breach of ministerial etiquette it is difficult to imagine. 
But the disturbing forces were happily quieted by Mr. 
DuBois. Three years after the unpleasant occurence he 
entered the names of the persons thus received, and of the 
baptised children, upon the church register, with the fol- 
lowing explanation : " Names of the children baptised, 
with the names of their respective parents, also the names 
of the members who were received by a confession of 
their faith, in the congregation at Middletown, by Dominie 
Isaac Rysdyck, Sept. 10th, 1770 — being a time of the dif- 
ferences in tlie congregation — the which persons after the 
time of union, by me. Dominie Benjamin DuBois, were 
entered on the church register of the combined Reformed 
congregations of Freehold and Middletown."* 

* Of this Rev. Isaac Rysdyck, Dr. Brownlee says ; "He was in his day 
considered the most learned theologian in the Dutch church." Dr. Kip, 
in his history of the Fishkill church, says that Dominie Rysdyck "be- 
longed to the Conferentia party, but never manifested much bitterness of 
spirit." The facts I have related speak for themselves. 



42 

Tradition has preserved a domestic scene, which shows 
that although Dominie DuBois and Dominie Erickzon 
differed in relation to the question of the Coetus, they did 
not permit their differences to disturb friendly relations 
between themselves and their families. They were inti- 
mate acquaintances for many years. One time, while 
on a visit at the old parsonage, we are told that Mr. 
Van ISTorden, who married the daus-hter of Dominie Erick- 

•* CD 

zon, chanced to meet Mr. David Van Der Veer, who had 
married the daughter of Dominie DuBois. While convers- 
ing with each other, Mr. VanlSTorden, pointing to a par- 
ticular place on the floor of the room in which they were 
sitting, said, " That is the place where I stood when I mar-^ 
ried my wife." " And that is the very spot where I mar- 
ried mine," replied Mr. Van Der Veer. " But I," said 
Mr. Van ISTorden, " married a Dominie's daus^hter." 
" Well," said Mr. Van Der Veer, " so did I marry a Domi- 
nie's daughter." " But this was my wife's home," said 
Mr. Van Norden, "and her father joined us in marriage." 
" And this," said Mr. Van Der Veer, " was my wife's 
home, and her father joined us in marriage." They both 
thought, as I think, having enjoyed the same privilege, 
that there is nothing to be compared with marrying a 
Dominie's daughter, uiiless it be the marrying of some- 
body else's daughte;. 

During this period of Mr. DuBois's ministry, a new 
house of worship was erected at Middletown, on the place 
where the old one stood. The subscription for defraying 
the necessary expenses bears date Februarj' the 28th, 1764. 
This was in the midst of the Coetus difficulties ; and the 
decided Conferentia principles of the congregation are 
manifested by the peculiar wording of the subscription. 
It is expressly stipulated, " The church for which we sub- 
scribe is to be the National Church of the High Sj'nod 
of Dort, established in the years 1618 and 1619." 
On this paper we And the names of 63 subscribers. The 
amount of their subscription is 335 pounds; 14 pounds is the 
la rgest sum subscribed, and to the credit of the ladies, who 



43 

are generally foremost in croocl works, when they have 
means at their own disposal, it is the subscription of " Mrs. 
Jane Schenck, widow." The house of worship thus erect- 
ed was known for many years as the Red Meeting House. 
It corresponded in size with the one at Freehold, and was 
very much such a building. It was used for divine wor- 
ship until the erection of the Holmdel church. 

In 1785 the church building at Freehold was repaired 
and improved. A chimney was built and a large stove 
purchased. The rude benches which had formerly been 
used were taken out and replaced with pews. To meet 
this expense the pews were sold at public auction. 
The terms of the sale are carefully penned in the 
hand-writing of the pastor. From these it appears all 
right and title to a pew should cease so soon as a pew- 
holder or his heirs should cease to pay for the support of 
the minister. Preference was also given to certain per- 
sons, on account of extraordinary services rendered by 
them, over and above the rest of the congregation. These 
favored ones were Garret Cowenhoven, Esq., John Tyle, 
Benjamin Van Cleef, Cornelius Cowenhoven and William 
Cowenhoven. To these persons it was granted, that they 
should have, as of their own right, the choice of each one 
a pew, to be held by them on the same terms with others. 
The seats in the gallery were not overlooked. Concern- 
ing them it was: '■''Resolved, The seats on the gallery shall 
be free for any : only the subscribers and singers shall 
have the preference to seat themselves wherever they 
choose, so as may suit best for carrying on the different 
parts ot music." 

There was considerable contention about this time 
in relation to the singing. The younger portion of the 
congregation, who conducted this part of the worship, 
were desirous of using new tunes, which the older peo- 
ple could not sing, nor enjoy. The dissatisfaction thus 
occasioned, and to a certain extent very reasonably occa- 
sioned, assumed an aspect so serious as to demand the 
attention of the Consistory. On the 26th of February, 



-44 

1787, a long list of resolutions were passed, reviewing the 
whole matter in an original manner, and concluding as 
follows : 

" Resolved, That the Consistory, not wishing to Lord it over God's 
heritage, will not with stern command say to our congregations, you sliall 
or you shall not improve nor practice in any collection of Psalm tunes 
whatever. We leave the christian where God hatii left him, to the liberty 
of his own conscience, to sing in private what Psalm or Psalm tune he 
; please, and when he sings in consort, we recommend him to sing in order 
and decently, as the Apostle would have all things should be done." 

The contention respecting the change from Dutch to 
English preaching, commenced with the settlement of Mr. 
DuBois. The English language was introduced in the 
Freehold congregation during theiirst year of his ministry 
without much opposition. But not so at Middletown. In 
-that congregation there were some who yielded a very re- 
luctant consent, and a few who bitterly opposed it to the 
very last. At a meeting of the Consistory in 1766, held 
at Freehold, it was "Resolved, that those who wish to en- 
joy the services of our minister in the English language, in 
our church at Middletown, shall have their request to the 
half of the service in that congregation." About twenty 
■ years after this, in 1785, it was resolved in a church coun- 
cil at Middletown, that the Dutch and English preaching 
shall be in proportion to Dutch and English subscription 
for salary. The following year it was ascertained, in com- 
pliance with this resolution, that the proportion of Dutch 
service should not be more than three Sabbaths a year, 
and it was left to the option of the pastor to make an ad- 
dress in English, after the Dutch service. It was also 
" Resolved, that if for the want of Dutch singers it seem 
expedient, the pastor, if he choose, may have English 
singing and preach in Dutch.'' The Dominie, I am con- 
fident, enjoyed the preaching in Dutch. 

The English language was a foreign tongue. The 
story is told, that several years tigo, an aged lady, who 
when young dwelt in this vicinity, but who had been 
a resident of another State for a long time, was asked if 
she remembered any of the Schencks, of Monmouth coun- 



40 

tj, New Jersey ? " Oh, yes," she replied, " I remember 
one who had a cliild baptised, by the name of De La Fa- 
yette." " What makes you remember that ?" her ques- 
tioner inquired. " Because," she answered, " Dominie 
DuBois, the good man, stuttered so, and made such a fuss 
in pronouncing the name, I have never forgotten it." 

The revolutionary war was the occasion of much dis- 
turbance and difficulty in the congregation. The County 
of Monmouth, from its peculiar position, was especially 
exposed. It was liable, not only to frequent raids from 
foreign enemies, but suffered, it is said, to a great extent 
from the Refugees, the lawless tories who took up arms 
against their former neighbors. 

Families were divided in sentiment ; fathers and sons 
took different sides. At one time the Refugees gained 
the ascendency and held possession of Freehold village for 
a week or ten daj's. They were driven out by the Whigs. 
Thirteen were executed at different times, on a gallows 
that stood in the vicinity of the Court House. Many 
were sent as prisoners to Hagerstown. The Refugees 
were so annoying, that the inhabitants favorable to the 
popular cause, bound themselves together for the purpose 
of defense, by articles of agreement. 

The names of nearly all, who composed this congre- 
gation, are signed to these articles. The name of Mr. 
DuBois is not to be found, but it is probably because he 
was a minister of the Gospel. He frequently shouldered 
his gun and his knapsack, and went out in his turn on 
patrol " like a pack-horse," as was sneeringly said by a 
noted tory of his congregation. He is said to have been 
perfectly fearless. One day, when out in a skirmish, he 
was so eager to press upon the enemj-, he could not be 
kept in line, and Col. Holmes was obliged to make a dif- 
ferent disposition of his troops, to prevent him from being 
singled out and shot down. Returning home from one of 
his military expeditions with a friend, they beheld at a 
distance a party of British passing by ; they were too far 
off to do them any injury, but the Dominie laid his gun 



46 

on an old fence, deliberately took aim and fired, remark- 
ing pleasantly, " They will not be able to say, after this, 
that I have never fired at the enemy." He frequently 
commended the Patriot cause in his sermons, and invaria- 
bly made their struggle for liberty the subject of his pub- 
lic prayers. 

The difficulties and troubles we have mentioned 
bear eloquent testimony to the christian character of 
Mr. DuBois. Dwelling among a people of discordant 
views on a variety of subjects, an oflicious neigliboring 
minister, interfering with his labors and fomenting dis- 
cord ; the worst passions of the human heart, stirred by 
the exciting political issues of the day, war raging and 
the people of his charge sympathizing with opposing 
armies and factions, he must have been a man of more 
than ordinary wisdom, meekness, prudence and discre- 
tion, inasmuch as he maintained his ground and conduct- 
ed himself in such a manner as to win the confidence and 
esteem of those who differed from him. He continued 
the pastor of this very people for 63 years. 

In 1817 he was relieved from the active duties of the 
ministry by the labors of a colleague, but he was never de- 
clared Emeritus, and the pastoral relation was dissolved 
only by his death. He was the settled pastor of this 
church for 63 years. That is by far the longest pastor- 
ate in the history of the Reformed Church in Ameri- 
ca. It is not probable that any minister has remained the 
pastor of the same people for a longer time. Very few 
continue so long as did he, 53 years in the discharge of 
the full round of ministerial duties. 

He received 166 persons into the communion of the 
church, baptised 1,283 infants, married 725 couples. The 
last marriage ceremony he performed, was Sept. 28, 1818, 
when he united in marriage Denise Denise and Altie 
Hulse. 

In recording baptisms he inaugurated a custom con- 
tinued through the ministry of Mr. Marcellus, of desig- 
nating certain parents as " not responsible " or as "not 



47 

in " the baptismal engagement. The tirst of these is very 
curious. It reads, " 1783, April 6th, Benjamin McDan- 
nel, not in covenant, Mary Easlick, his wife, in covenant 
and deceased." Well versed in the Scriptures, the Domi- 
nie knew that the child of a believer was born in the 
church and belonged to the church, and although its 
mother had gone to the heavenly home on high, ought to 
be consecrated to God in holy baptism. The name of 
Mary Cowenhoven is recorded as sponsor or God-mother 
at this baptism. It was not a rare tiling to have sponsors 
in that day. The custom long ago became obsolete, none 
appearing later than 1804. 

Dominie DuBois was the first to record the election 
of Kirken Masters for each of the churches, a term he 
afterwards translates " Saxtons." They were elected an- 
nually, and only once or twice was the same person 
chosen for successive years. The services they rendered 
were entirely gratuitous. Tlie position was considered 
one of dignit}' and honor. The lirst whose names are re- 
corded, were chosen May 16th, 1765. For Middletown, 
Garret Ilendrickson, For Freehold, Cornelius Cowen- 
hoven, son of one Albert Cowenhoven. The last whose 
names are recorded, were chosen May loth, 1817. For 
Middletown, Peter Smock, son of one Roeliff Smock. For 
Freeliold, Elisha Schenck. In 1815 this office at Freehold 
was occupied by Mr. Peter VanPiorn, whose death oc- 
curred only a few months ago. 

During the ministry of Mr. DuBois, Communion Sab- 
baths were called Great Meeting days. The audience was 
larger than at any other time. Every communicant, if 
possible, was present. The services were long. Many 
brought a lunch to eat between the mornino- and after- 
noon sessions. It was a time of reunion and friendly 
cheer, as well as of holy communion with God. But this 
is not all. There were in those days, as now there are, 
those who improved every opportunity to make a few 
pennies. There was in front of tlie old church a large 
chestnut tree, and under that tree on Great Meeting days 



48 

there was always to be seen a man with a wagon offering* 
for sale cake and small beer. Nor were customers lacking. 
After the sermon the great majority of those who were 
not communicants, were in thehabit of leaving the church 
and thought it no harm to refresh themselves with the 
ottered cake and beer. There are those now livinjo; 
who can remember, that as children, they beguiled the 
time of service by feeling of the pennies in their pockets, 
with which they expected to treat themselves at the small 
beer wagon, when the sermon closed. 

The Sabbath was also most frequently chosen as a 
wedding day. Friends were invited from far and near 
and a great feast made. The Dutch have always been 
proverbial for their hospitality. So frequent were Sunday 
weddings, not only here, but generally throughout the 
land, that both Synod and Classis thought it necessary to 
condemn the custom, and I learn from a minute in 
the records of the church, that from the pulpit Dominie 
DuBois expressed his disapproval of Sunday weddings, 
and exhorted the people " not to marry on the Lord's day, 
but in case of necessity." 

Funerals also were attended with a large amount of 
unnecessary labor. There was much cooking and feast- 
ing. All the friends were expected to return to the house 
and partake of a good meal. Sunday, of all days, was con- 
sidered the best for these funeral ceremonies, which not 
unfrequently were attended Avith disorder. Such things 
seem to us to be highly improper. But we should not 
forget that our views are clearer, and our ideas more ex- 
alted, simply because of the iniluence of the church our 
ancestors maintained, and our instruction in the truth, 
which for us they perpetuated. 

A minute of the Consistory, which touchingly por- 
trays the Dominie's love for his wife, and his desire to 
make happy the closing years of her life, bears date Decem- 
ber 16th, 1795. It contains an agreement between himself 
and the Consistory, that it Mrs. DuBois should survive 
him, " she should remain in the full use and quiet posses- 



49 

sion of the parsonage for the term of two years." The ac- 
tion of the Consistory, in 1817, settled an annuity of |150 
upon both the Dominie and his wife, the benefit of which 
Mrs. DuBois enjoyed until 96 years of age, when she 
peacefully and quietly entered the home on high. Her 
remains were interred by the side of her husband's in 
front of the church.* 

Mr. DuBois was not a man of worldy ambition, but 
one who sought to glorify God and be faithful to his trust. 
Tietirino; and modest, he lived and labored arnono-hisown 
people. But little is known of his public life. That lit- 
tle, however, is not without interest. On the 7th of May, 
1771, he was present at a meeting held at Hackensack, 
for the purpose of settling the location of Rutgers College. 
Two places desired the distinction and honor, Hacken- / 
sack and New Brunswick. By a small majority of three, 
it was carried in favor of New Brunswick. Mr. DuBois 
voted thus, as he always did, with the party of progress, 
independence and liberty, led by the Rev. Dr. Jacob R. 
Hardenbergii, who became the first President of the col- 
lege, and who was the great-grand-father of your present 
pastor. To me it is not the least of the precious memo- 
ries of the past, that frequently your ancesters and mine 
labored together, as we are laboring together, for the pro- . 
motion of God's glory. 

In 1777, Mr. DuBois, with hisElder,Mr. AartSutphin, 
was present at the first meeting of the General Synod of 
the Reformed Church in America; and subsequently 
with the Elder, Mr. Tunis Denise, signed the articles of 
agreement which formed the Dutch Churches of Ameri- 



* The tomb of Mrs. DuBois bears this inscription : " In memory of 
Phebe Denise, relict of the Rev. Benjamin DuBois, who departed this life 
January 7tli, 1839, aged 95 years, 4 months and 26 days." 
" could this tomb her fair example spread, 
And teach the living, while it praised the dead ; 
Then, reader, should it speak her hope divine, 
Not to record her faith but strengthen tliine; 
Then should her christian virtues stand confessed, 
*And kindle christian virtues in thy breast." 



50 

ca into one ecclesiastical body, June 18th, 1772. At 
the special session of the Sjniod of 1786, of which Synod 
Mr. DuBois was clerk, " the Reverend Body was opened," 
we are told, " with a solemn and earnestprayer by the clerk. 
Rev. Benjamin DuBois; the president, Dr. Jacob R. Ilar- 
denbergh, being as yet absent." 

Fervent piety, rather than intellectual ability, was 
his distinguishing characteristic. His ministry was faith- 
ful and successful, his sermons sound, evangelical and 
practical, his preaching scriptural, his 'zeal for his work 
so ardent, that he kept on in very advanced life, un- 
til his bodily strength would no longer support him un- 
der its exhausting influence. He frequentl}' fainted in 
the pulpit. In person he was of medium size, with pleas- 
ant features, and jet black eyes. He wore small clothes 
and a laro-e wis;, which bv reason of long use had turned 
from white to yellow. A few still remember his appear- 
ance, the large spectacles he wore,* and his solemn man- 
ner of entering the pulpit. He always paused at the foot 
of the pulpit steps, and placing iiis hat before his eyes, 
bowed his head in silent prayer, before proceeding to take 
his seat. A few years previous to the close of his life, he 
removed from the parsonage to reside with his son-in- 
law, Mr. David G. Van Der Veer. A short time after, 
the dwelling was burned, and all the books, private pa- 
pers and letters, together with the furniture belonging to 
the Dominie, were consumed, a loss to the historian and 
to all who are desirous of honoring his memory. He died 
August 21st, 1827, thereby receiving the lulfillment of 
the promise, " Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, 
like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season." He was 
interred immediately in front of the church. The marble 
slab on his tomb bears this inscription : 



* The spectacles were exhibited to the audience. The glasses are set 
in ivory, so discolored from age as to look like box wood. They are per- 
fectly round, seven-eighths of an inch in diameter. The bows are steel, very 
heavy ; each glass, with the ivory rim and steel bow, is one and a half 
inches in diameter. 



51 

" In memory of Rev. Benjamin DuBois, who departed this life August 
21st, 1827, aged 88 years, 4 montlis and 11 days." 

" He was Pastor of the United Dutch Church of Freehold and Mid- 
dletown 52 years. 

" In kis deportment he set, a worthy example to his flock. In his 
preaching he was sound, faithful and affectionate. 

" He lived in peace, in peace he died. 
His Master's glory near his heart. 
He preached of Christ and none beside, 
And with him now enjoys his part." 

His funeral services were very largely attended. Rev. 
Samuel A. Van Vranken officiated on the occasion, tak- 
ing for his text, St. John 5 : 85. "He was a bright and 
a shining light." 

The Classis of New Brunswick, in' session a short time 
after his decease, when itiformed of the death of their 
aged brother, caused the following minute to be placed 
on their records : 

" The Clasis, sensible of the worth of the venerable deceased, Resolved 
to record this testimonial of regard to the memory of the Rev. Benjumin 
DuBois, and they hereby assert their veneration for the uniform consis- 
tency of his walk and conversation, and the uninterrupted fidelity with 
which he discharged tke duties of his ministerial office. 'Blessed are the 
dead who die in the Lord.' " 

In 1817 the Classis of New Brunswick, in answer to 
an application from the Consistory of the Reformed 
Church of Freehold and Middletown for ministerial sup- 
plies, because of the iniirmities of their pastor, appointed 
three young men, who had just been licensed, to occupy 
the pulpit ; one was afterward known as Rev. Isaac N. 
Wyckotf, D. D., for many years pastor of the Middle Re- 
formed Church, at Albany. Another was afterwards 
known as Rev. John Ludlow, 1). D., L. L. D., Professor 
of Hebrew, Ecclesiastical History, Church Government 
and Pastoral Theology. The third was afterward known 
as Rev. Samuel A. Van Vranken, D. !>., Professor 
of Didactic Theology. Each of the young men, if my 
information is correct, discharged the duties of their ap- 
pointment. If tljat was the case, a church seldom has 
such a brilliant array of latent talent among its candi- 
dates. 



52 

The minds of the people were not at all distracted. 
The last of the 3^oung men to display his gifts, was Mr. 
John Ludlow, who occupied the pulpit, it is said, the 
second Sabbath of August, and in September the Consis- 
tory presented a call to the Rev. Mr. Van Vranken. His 
ordination and installation as pastor, took place in the 
Freehold church, the first Sabbath of April, 1818. The 
sermon was preached by Rev. John L. Zabriskie. Revs. 
James S. Canon, John S. Vredenbergh and Benjamin Du 
Bois delivering the charges to the pastor and people, and 
taking part in the devotional exercises. 

The occasion was one of the deepest interest. More 
than half a century had passed away since the congrega-, 
tion had assembled for a similar purpose. As the newly 
installed pastor pronounced the benediction, many prayers 
ascended on high for the perpetuity and prolongation of 
the relation just formed. 

Since the organization of the church, its pastors had 
resided in the Freehold congregation, and now, as the 
parsonage at Freehold was occupied by Mr. DuBois, the 
Middletown people desired their new pastor to dwell 
among them. To gratify their wishes, the Consistory in- 
augurated measures for the purchase of a parsonage at 
Middletown. The property selected, was that now occu- 
pird by Rev. Dr. Reiley, of Holmdel. There Dr. Van 
Vranken commenced house-keeping, and there he dwelt 
until 1826. He was born at Hopewell, in 1790. His fa- 
ther was Rev. Nicholas Van Vranken, the principal of 
a flourishing Academy, which proved the germ of Union 
College. He was afterwards pastor of the Reformed 
churches of Fishkill, Hopewell and Poughkeepsie. It is 
said, that one day he was surprised by having an Elder 
of his church o-reet him with the remark: "Dominie, I 
hear that a great woe has been pronounced against you; 
a woe upon the very highest authority ; ' woe unto the 
man of whom all speak well.' " Samuel, it is said, re- 
sembled his father. He graduated from the Theoloo;ical 
Seminary at New Brunswick, in 1817. A short time at- 



53 

ter, he married Miss Maria Gaiisevoort, of Albany, a de- 
scendant of VVessel Gansevoort, of Gronnigen, " one of 
the Morning Stars of the Reformation in Holland."' This 
lady died while Mr. Van Vranken was pastor of this 
church. Her remains,* with those of her children, three 
in number, and her mother's,! are interred in the adja- 
cent burying ground. Her ancestors were among the 
noblest of old Holland's sons, prominent actors in events 
whose influence is still felt throughout Christendom. 

Dr. Van Vranken was again married twice. First to 
a Miss Swift, of Poughkeepsie, and then to Mrs. Mary 
Boulaen, of Delaware, who still survives him, honored 
and esteemed by her acquaintances and friends, because 
of her estimable cliristian character, deeply attached to 
this, the church of her husband's first service, and present 
with us to-day, to review the past, and to rejoice with us, 
because of the Lord's goodness and mercv. 

In 1834, after a pastorate of 16 years. Dr. Van Vran- 
ken accepted a call to the First Keformed Church of 
Poughkeepsie. liere he remained about three years, 
when he removed to New York and became pastor of the 
Broome street congregation, from which position he was 
called in 1841, by the General Synod of the Reformed 
Church, to occupy the chair of Didactic Theology, in the 
Seminary at New Brunswick. This position he filled 
with credit to himself, and honor to the church, until the 
day of his death, January 1st, 1861. I was then a student 
at College, and well remember the last sermon he ever 
preached. His text, as if he had received intimation of 
deatli's approach, was the 16th verse of the 7th chapter of 
Job, " I would not live alway." The sermon was full of 



* Mrs. Van Vranken's tomb bears this inscription : "In memory of Ma- 
ria Gansevoort, wife of Rev. Samuel A. Van Vranken, who died June 19th, 
1831, in tlie 35th year of her age." 

f This lady's tomb bears this inscription : " In memory of Elizabeth 
Roseboom, relict of the late Conrad Gansevoort, of Albany. Died Jan- 
uary 1 1th, 1850, aged 81 years, 17 days. Her holy virtues are sacred 
memorials, embalmed in the hearts of her children, who rise up and call 
her blessed." 



54 

expressions setting forth the grand and glorious hopes 
which make peaceful and joyous our advance to the tomb. 
It seemed to be the breathing forth of the ardent long- 
ings of the speaker's heart, to be at home with Jesus : 
and made one sigh for the same strong and precious faith. 

As his character has been portrayed by abler pens 
than mine, I will not mar the good work they have done, 
A few extracts from that which others have written, will 
be sufficient to indicate the noble type of his manhood, 

" His personal presence was imposing. His voice 
rang out freely and clearly. The grasp of his hand was 
animating. His eye rested confidently upon you, and 
when he spoke, you saw plainly that he was a man of a 
frank and open disposition. In early life he preached 
Memoriter. Every sermon was profitable. At commun- 
ion seasons, in the prayer meeting, and often in social in- 
tercourse, when he related some striking instance in 
which the power of divine grace had been sweetly and 
kindly manifested, his huge frame would quiver, his utter- 
ance become choked, and his cheeks wet with tears." In 
a word, " he was a highly intelligent, noble, christian gen- 
tleman." It is said, he never lost a friend. So long as 
he lived the officers of this church-were accustomed to con- 
sult him and seek his advice, assured that their interests 
were dear to his heart. After his death they testified 
their appreciation of his character by placing on record a 
minute, prepared by Mr. William Spader, who at that 
time, and for many years, was the clerk of the Consistory. 
This minute says : 

" We remember, with gratitude to God, that this eminent minister of 
Christ was ordained to the sacred office, and commenced iiis long and 
useful career, in this church.' He enjoyed, in a remarkable degree, the re- 
spect and affections of the people of Monmouth county, and, although 
many years have elapsed since his separation from them, their early attach- 
ment has not been diminished. We recognize, even at this distant day, 
the vigor and evangelical character of his ministry, in the prevalence of 
sound doctrinal views, and the growth of the Reformed Dutch Church in 
this community. As a further expression of our grateful remembrance of 
the honored pastor and professor, it is : Resolved by this Consistory, to 
obtain a portrait of the Rev. Dr. Van Vranken, to be presented to the Gen- 



55 

eral Synod, with a request that it may be permitted to hang in the Chapel 
■ of the ' Peter Hertzorr Theological Seminary.' " 

The portrait thus procured may be seen in the James 
Sujclam Hall, of the Theological Seminary, at New Bruns- 
wick. A worthy tribute to the memory of a worthy man. 
In 1825, seven years after Mr. Van Vran ken's instal- 
lation, the Consistory petitioned the Chassis of New 
Brunswick to organize two churches, out of the church 
they represented. The causes which led to such a request 
were the great extent of the congregation, and the dis- 
tance which many were compelled to travel every other 
Sabbath to enjoy divine worship. There were twenty- 
seven gates between the house of Mr. Uriah Smock, near 
the village of Marlborough, and the church at Middletown, 
to be opened and shut, both in going to and returning 
from church: Many other residences were shut in in like 
manner. And now, the imperative necessity of a new 
house of worship at Freehold, the location of Avhich had 
occasioned considerable feeling, and disturbed to some ex- 
tent the peace of the congregation, brought on the issue, 
shall we continue under one pastorate or become two dis- 
tinct churches. 

Br. Van Vranken desired to build one lar^e church 
in the center of the two congregations, to take the place 
of the two houses of worship in which he was then preach- 
ing on alternate Sabbaths. He wished to concentrate his 
forces and move upon the enemy with a solid army in- 
stead of separate squadrons. The people were divided 
in opinion. The Classis appointed a committee to 
investigate the matter, possessing talent enough to set- 
tle the gravest questions of State. Its chairman was 
Rev. James S. Canon. Associated with him were Revs. 
John L. Zabriskie and James B. Hardenbergh, and 
the Elders, John Frelinghuysen, of Somerville, and Jacob 
R. Hardenbergh, of New Brunswick. This committee, 
after holding divine service in the church at Middletown, 
met with a committee appointed by the two congregations, 
to present their views, and then conferred with other pro- 



56 

minent and influential ones who chanced to be present. 
The meeting was harmonious, and with one mind desired 
the division of the congregation, believing it would tend to 
the enlargement of each of the congregations, and be the 
means also of making friendship therein. Dr. Canon re- 
commended the formation of the two consjreffations, ac- 
cording to the requirements of the Church Constitution. 
The Classis adopted his recommendation, and also, with 
others, the following resolution : "That the line which 
divides the township of Freehold from the township 
of Middletown be recommended to be the line of divi- 
sion, for the present, between the the congregations of 
Freehold and Middletown, when formed." By this ac- 
tion of the Classis, the united congregations of Freehold 
and Middletown, which for nearly a hundred and twenty- 
five years had enjoyed the labors of the same pastors, had 
mingled their voices in the worship of God, had conse- 
crated their children to the Lord at the same baptismal 
font, and had gathered about the same communion table, 
mutual sharers in each others hopes and fears and pros- 
perity, was severed in twain, November 28th, 1825, the 
larger portion becoming the First Reformed Church of 
Freehold, the other the Reformed Church of Middletown, 
which has since been incorporated the Reformed Church 
ot Holmdel. 

Henceforth their history flows in two distinct and 
separate channels. I propose to trace the course of only 
the main branch of the divided stream, the First Re- 
formed Church of Freehold. Eighty families and sixty- 
eight communicants were represented by this corporate 
title. The Consistory was composed of three Elders and 
three Deacons. Garret Wyckofl^", Daniel I. Schenck 
and Aaron Smock were the Elders; Joseph Van Cleef, 
Denise Schenck and Garret G. Conover were the Deacons. 

The first act of the Consistory was to extend a call to 
the Rev. Samuel A. Van Vranken, to become their pas- 
tor. It was accepted at once, and Mr. Van Vranken's re- 
lation to the "United Congregation of Freehold and Mid- 



57 

dletown," dissolved by Classis April 19th, 1826. On Sun- 
day, the 22d of the previous January, he had preached a 
farewell sermon to the Middletown congregation, and va- 
cating their parsonage, had moved within the bounds of 
the Freehold congregation, April 11th. Mr. Van Vran- 
ken was a very popular preacher, and his great populari- 
ty as a pulpit orator caused the Classis, when dissolving 
his pastoral relation with the United Congregations, and 
approving the call of the First Church of Freehold, to 
adopt the useless and impracticable resolution, " that it 
be enjoined upon the Consistories of Freehold and Mid- 
dletown, so soon as may be convenient, to take the late 
recommendation of Classis in regard to a division line 
between the two congregations, into tlieir serious consid- 
eration." It was never convenient. The Consistories 
were wiser than the Classis. No body of men can dictate 
the place where christian lamilies shall worship. Con- 
venience, inclination or preference, will invariably deter- 
mine church relations. Arrangements were made, but 
never perfected, for the installation of Mr. Van Vranken 
at the Freehold church, on the third Sabbath of July. A 
question was raised in relation to the necessity of installa- 
tion services. As Mr. Van Vranken had already been in- 
stalled the pastor of the same people who now called him 
again, and had never vacated the pulpit he occupied, it 
seemed to many a superfluous thing to have him re-in- 
stalled. It took the Classis two full years to decide the 
matter. The letter of the law was obeyed, and formal 
installation services were held April 16th, 1828. The 
Rev. James Romeyn preached the sermon. The Rev. 
James B. Hardenbergh delivered the charge to the pas- 
tor, and the Rev. J. Tenbrooke Beekman the charge to 
the people. 

The settlement of the affairs of the two congrega- 
tions was pushed forward with enero-y. At a meetino- 
held the 2d day of January, 1826, it was unanimously 
agreed, "that the church edifice, and grounds adjacent 
thereto, should be considered the exclusive property of 



58 

the congregation worshiping therein ; that all the other 
property, whether real or personal, belonging to the cor- 
poration of the United Congregations at the time of their 
separation, should be equally divided between the two, 
the one moiety, or half, to each ; that all monies in hand, 
at the time of their separation, or thereafter to be collect- 
ed, shall be equally divided, whether arising from sub. 
scriptions, bonds, notes or otherwise, and that all debts 
shall be equallj' borne by each, and paid previous to any 
division of the property." A fairer settlement could not 
be adjusted. Its realization was attended with difficulties. 
Ill feeling was engendered, bitter words were spoken, and 
the peace of the two congregations greatly disturbed. , 
The storm soon passed by ; the final settlement between 
the congregations taking place May 6th, 1826. At this 
settlement the Consistory of this chm-ch received $2,555. 
They were the possessors, also, of $2,500 received from the 
estate of Tunis 6. Van Der Veer, of blessed memory. They 
also had !$8,750, the half of the sum received from the sale 
of the parsonage farm ; making a total of $8,805, with 
which to commence their independent career. 

The only real estate of which they were possessed, 
was the land adjacent to an old church, so thoroughly out 
of repair that the building of a new one was an impera- 
tive necessity. They had no parsonage, and for this par- 
pose purchased the small farm of about 18 acres, in the 
south-western portion of the congregation, now owned 
and occupied by Mr. Daniel Van Mater. There the pas- 
tors of this church resided for nearly forty years. When 
the property was purchased it cost the congregation 

$3,766. 

Early in the Spring of 1826, measures were inaugu- 
rated for securing a new church. There was considerable 
diificulty in determining its location. Some of the con- 
o-regration desired to have it built on Hendrickson's Hill, 
the place already mentioned as the site of the first Re- 
formed church in Monmouth county. But in April the 
Consistory unanimously resolved to erect a new house of 



59 

worship "on the site of the present church." They also 
determined that the building should be 45 ft. wide and 55 
ft. long, and that it should be of brick, with a steeple and 
a gallery. Mr. James I. Baird and Mr. Garret H. Smock 
were appointed a building committee, subject to the di- 
rection of the Consistory. 

On Sunday, the 4th of June, Mr. Van Vranken 
preached a farewell sermon to the old building, which 
since 1732, a period of 94 years, had echoed with the 
praises of Almighty God, and to many was endeared 
above all the places of earth. After the old building was 
taken down, and while the new one was in course of erec- 
tion, Mr. Van Vranken preached at the Court House, in 
Freehold villasre, and also in the vicinitv of Colts ISTeck, 
sometimes at Mr. Statesir's, and frequently in a barn on 
the old Stoutenbergh farm, the property now owned by 
Mr. Ryall. The work on the new church was pushed 
forward with energy and zeal. So far as practicable the 
materials of the old building were used in the construc- 
tion of the new. A well was dug, not far from the road, 
in the present church yard, to supply the necessary water. 
This well remained many years after the churcli was fin- 
ished. A shed for cooking purposes was put up, on the 
church grounds, not far from the building, that the labor- 
ers might be boarded, and much expense saved.* The 
bricks were made and burnt on the farm now oc- 
cupied by Mr. John H. Van Mater, adjoining the 
church property. Captain Isaac Herbert, who was learn- 
ing his trade with Mr. James Thompson, the blacksmith, 
on whose anvil all the necessary iron fixtures for the 
church were wrought, carted the first load of sand, with 
an ox team. The dav was very warm, and one of the 
oxen, when returning home, fell dead in the road. The 
greater part of the carting was done by Joseph Van Der 
Veer, who, wlien I moved into the parsonage, came to bid 

* There were present at our memorial services two of tliose wbo were 
employed in the construction of the building — Mr. John W. Van Cleef, 
carpenter, and Mr. Thomas J. Smith, mason. 



60 

me welcome, saying he had welcomed Dominie Van 
Vranken, and eyerj minister since his day, to their home 
in the parsonage. May those whom he has thus wel- 
comed rejoice with him in the heavenly home. 

While the church was being built, the bridge across 
Hop Brook, on the main road between Freehold and 
Matawan, was carried away by a storm ; a fact of interest 
only because the bridge on the same road and across the 
same stream, since preparations were commenced for these 
memorial services, has shared the same fate. 

The corner stone of the new building was laid some 
time in July, and the building was completed the follow- 
ing year. The marble tablet in the front of the building, 
was the gift of Mr. Hull, a stone cutter at Matawan. It 
bears this inscription : 



Reformed Dutch Church. 

Erected A. D. 1826. 

" Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, 
and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of 
fools. Eccle. 5 : 1." 



The first religious services held within the walls of 
the new church were the funeral ceremonies of the Rev. 
Benjamin DuBois, August 23d. 

The building cost about $10,000; rattier more than 
less. Its appearance, when completed, differed within, 
from its appearance at present. The pulpit was higher. 
Back of the pulpit there was a window, and above the 
window a gilded dove. The Elders' and Deacons' seats, 
and other pews filling up the space, were each side of the 
pulpit where the stoves now stand. The change was 
made in 1853, through a committee of which Mr. Uriah 
Smock was chairman. No other material alterations have 
been made. 

The building was solemnly dedicated to the service 



61 

of the Triune Jehovah, by the pastor, Sunday, the 9th day 
of September, 1827. The pastor also preached a sermon 
suitable to the occasion, taking his text : Psalm 132 : 8, 9. 
" Arise, O Lord, into Tliy rest, Thou and the ark of Thy 
strength. Let Thy priests be clothed with righteousness, 
and let Thy saints shout for joy." The occasion was one 
of rejoicing and gladness. Li answer to the pastor's prayer 
the Lord chose the new building as the place of His abode 
Here for fifty years He has met with His people. His 
presence has sanctified and hallowed these walls, and His 
spirit has carried the joys of salvation to penitent hearts. 
God has dwelt here, making this house, through the in- 
strumentality of its holy services, like unto the river of 
which the Psalmist sings, " the streams thereof make glad 
the city of God." Oh ! the rejoicing before the throne on 
high ; who can describe it, because of the souls here born 
again ? We have heard its echo ; we hope, bye and bye, 
to join tlie chorus. What a grand sight it would be, if all 
who have here confessed Christ before men, were assem- 
bled too-ether. What a shout of thankso-ivino^ would so 
up to heaven from pastors and people, from parents and 
children and children's children. Ah, indeed, as we have 
festooned these walls to-day with evergreen boughs, even 
so are they festooned with sacred memories in many hearts 
now rejoicing in glory. 

Only two of those who formed the membership of 
the church when this building was dedicated are in the 
communion of the church to-day : the aged widow of Mr. 
Elias Brewer, Sr., long since deceased, and the Rev. Gar- 
ret C. Schenck. But thanks be unto God, if the fathers 
have fallen in the "good tight of faith," their children, 
and children's children have rallied around the cross, and 
stand to-day, maintaining the truth as it is in Jesus, and 
perpetuating the institutions of our holy religion for those 
who are to come. 

When the church was dedicated, an original anthem, 
and an original hymn, prepared for the occasion, were 
sung by the choir. They are said to have been the com- 



62 

position of Dr. Van Vranken. They have been repeated 
here to-day, that so far as possible, we might link the past 
with the present. The singing was led by Mr. Garret H. 
Smock, deceased. Among those who assisted him were 
Mr. John Conover, Mr. Garret S. Smock, deceased ; Mrs. 
Sydney Schenck, Mrs. Benjamin DuBois, Mrs. John Hen- 
ry Van Der Veer, Mrs. Elizabeth DuBois, Mrs. Jacob 
Probasco, Mr. Aaron Smock, deceased ; Miss Phoebe 
Van Der Veer, and Mr. Daniel Polhemus Smock, who 
afterwards for many years was the church chorister. I 
have seen in his possession a large bible bearing the in- 
scription : " Presented to Daniel P. Smock by the Ladies' 
Society of the First Reformed Dutch Church of Freehold, 
N^. J., asa token of christian regard and appreciation of long 
continued services, August 16th, 18/>6." I also lind a 
minute of the Consistory, made in 1863, granting Mr. 
Smock a family plot in the church cemetery, " as a token 
of appreciation of his long, faithful and gratuitous servi- 
ces as chorister of the church." At the dedication ot the 
church the singing was without the aid of an organ. The 
chorister in those days pitched the key note with a tuning 
fork, and the congregation were not afraid to join in. It 
was such music as stirred the soul of Burns to say: 

" They chant their artless notes in semple guise, 
They tune their hearts by far the noblest aim, 

Perhaps Dundee's wild warbling measures rise. 
Or plaintive martyrs worthy of the name — 
Or noble Elgin beats the heavenward flame. 

********* 
" Compared with these Italian trills are tame — . 

The tickled ears no heart-felt raptures raise, 
No unison have they with our creator's praise." 

After a few vears, a base viol and violin were used in 
the choir. In 1853 the first reed instrument was pur- 
chased. It was a small piano-cased melodeon. Mrs. J. 
Conover Smock was called to preside at the instrument, 
and thus became the first organist of the church.* Mr. 



* See Appendix E. 



63 

Van Vranken continued to occupy the pulpit of the new 
church for about seven years. In July, 1834, he received 
a call from the Reformed church of Poughkeepsie, and 
his pastoral relation with this people was dissolved by 
the action of Classis, the 23d of that month. His ministry 
was one of abundant blessing. We can only estimate its 
results by its lasting etiects. There is no record of com- 
municants covering this period, but during the eight 
years of his pastorate, immediately following the separa- 
tion of the congregation, the 80 families and 68 commu- 
nicants with which the first church of Freehold com- 
menced its independent existence, became 130 families 
and 159 communicants. 

The Rev. James Otterson was Mr. Van Vranken's 
successor. He was formally installed the first Wednes- 
day of January, 1835. Dr. Alessler, of Somerville, 
preached the sermon. The charge to the pastor was de- 
livered by Dr. Howe, of New Brunswick, and that to the 
people by Dr. Sears, of Six-Mile-Run. The relation thus 
formed was of short duration. It was dissolved Novem- 
ber 27th, 1838. 

Mr. Otterson was born of Scotish ancestry, in the city 
of New York, October 11th, 1791. He was brought up 
in the Associate Reformed church. He graduated at 
Columbia College, having entered that institution at 
about eleven years of age. He studied theology with Dr. 
Mason, and was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1821. 
When called to the pastorate of this church he was in the 
prime of life. He had been pastor of the Associate Re- 
formed church of Broadalbin, in Fulton county, N. Y. , 
and of the United Reformed Dutch churches of Hemp- 
stead and Oyster Bay, Long Island. After his settlement 
here, he took charge of the church at White House, Hun- 
terdon county, and then of the Presbyterian church at 
Johnstown, N. Y. His last charge was in Wilmington, 
in the State of Delaware. He was too deep a thinker to 
be a popular preacher, in the usual acceptation of the 
term. His sermons were frequently beyond the reach of 



64 

ordinary congregations. His intellect was vigorous, his 
habits scholarly, his mind clear and anylitical. Caretul 
in his pulpit preparation, he ever caused you to feel that 
he was master of the situation, whatever the subject of 
discussion, knowing what he affirmed, and the conclusion 
he was to reach. Some who remember him speak of him 
as a remarkable minister, a splendid sermonizer, a learn- 
ed theologian, a very instructive and editying teacher. 
His speech flowed smoothly from his lips, and his appeals 
to the heart and conscience were often very eloquent. He 
was a fine elocutionist, often stirring the heart's deptlis by 
his impressive manner in reading a hymn, or the pathetic 
portions of Scripture. In ecclesiastical assemblies, he 
had few superiors, and not many equals. He was strick- 
en with paralysis, and died at the residence of his name- 
sake son in Philadelphia, September 17th, 1867. 

To succeed Mr. Otterson, the Consistorv called the 
Rev. Aaron A. Marcellus in 1839. He was installed the 
last Wednesday of May. On this occasion the Rev. Jas, 
K. Campbell, of North Branch, preached the sermon. 
The Rev. J. Tenbrooke Beekman delivered the charge to 
the pastor, and the Rev. J. C. Sears the charge to the 
people. 

Mr. Marcellus was born at Amsterdam, New York, 
in 1799. His ancestors were Dutch. He graduated from 
Union College in 1826, from the Theological Seminary at 
New Brunswick in 1830, and the same year was licensed 
to preach the Gospel by the Classis of New York. His 
first settlement was as pastor of tlie Reformed church at 
Lysander, N. Y. In 1831 he removed to Schaghticoke. 
In 1834 to Manhatten. In 1836 lie became principal of 
the Lancaster Academy, which position he resigned in 
1S39, to take charj^-e of this church. This was by far his 
longest pastorate, extending over a period of 12 years. In 
1851 he resii^ned his call and commenced teachino; in 
New York city. In 1856 he assumed the pastorate of the 
church at Greenville, but after a ministry of about three 



65 

years, commenced teaching- at Bergen, where he died 
in 1860. 

Mr. Marcellus was an unpretentious and unassuming 
man. Evei;y place wliere he ministered bears testimony 
to tlie fact that he was a faithful ambassador of the Lord 
Jesus Christ. In preaching he did not seek his own glory, 
but endeavored to hold up Christ as the sinner's only 
hope, rather than charm the ears of his auditors with 
bursts of eloquence or rhetorical display. He is said to 
have been especially gifted in prayer. When leading the 
devotions of the people, he seemed to have an unction 
from the Holy One. His personal trials and difficulties 
were many, but he found the grace of the Saviour, whose 
love he proclaimed, sufficient for him, and amid the many 
vicissitudes of life, was ever a cheerful and happy man. 

He sought for souls and won them for Christ. Many 
who for years have been the most active in promoting the 
church's interests, made a profession of their faith during 
his ministry. At one time twenty-four united with the 
church by confessing Christ. This was the most exten- 
sive revival the church has ever enjoyed, excepting per- 
haps the precious season of the Spirit's presence and power 
in the Winter and Spring of 1876, which we all remem- 
ber so well, when 23 confessed Christ at one time. In 
1840 the membership of the church was increased by the 
reception of 40 persons, 89 of whom were received on 
confession. This is the largest accession we have ever 
been privileged to report to Classis. 

In 1885 the rapid growth of the village of Freehold, 
and the large number of the families of the congregation 
residing in its vicinity, caused the Consistory to purchase 
a lot in the village, from Mr. Cyrus Bruen, and to com- 
mence the erection thereon of a house of worship. The 
corner stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies by the 
Rev. James Otterson, in the Spring of 1836, but when 
the frame was raised and partly enclosed, work was sus- 
pended for want of funds. The building remained in this 
untinished condition for nearly two years. The Consis- 



66 

tory thought of abandoning the enterprise, and would 
have done so, it is said, but for the earnest protest of Mrs. 
John H. Smock. When her husband rehited the views 
of the Consistory, she shook her liead and nuade reply, 
saying : " No, John ; no. That church ought to be fin- 
ished and must be finished." Mr. Smock was of the same 
opinion, (a wise man alwaj's agrees with his wife.) He 
started a subscription, advanced money, and pushed the 
work forward with such success that the completed build- 
ing was dedicated to the service of the Triune Jehovah by 
the Rev, James Otterson, February 1st, 1838. It cost the 
congregation, exclusive of the lot, about |5,000. Its pos- 
session w^as the cause of much anxiety and trouble. It 
involved the congregation in debt for many years, and 
2:ave birth to much feelins: in relation to the amount of 
service there to be rendered by the pastor. 

At one time an attempt was made to again consoli- 
date the Freehold and Middletown congregations, and 
call two pastors for the three pulpits. When Mr. Mar- 
cellus was called, in 1839, it was stipulated that he should 
preach twice on the Sabbath — in the Brick Church in the 
forenoon, and in the church in the village of Freehold in 
the afternoon. But this arrangement soon proved very 
unsatisfactory to the village people. They naturally de- 
sired a morning service, and finally resolved to organize 
the Second Reformed Church of Freehold. Mr. Eben- 
ezer Conover and Mr. David Buck were appointed a com- 
mittee to petition Classis, and tlie church was organized 
the first Tuesday in October, 1842. The church was 
formed almost entirely from this congregation, and they 
at once requested a full warranty deed for the church 
property in the village. The Consistory refused to grant 
their request, because those still remaining in the Brick 
Church congregation had expended at least §3,500 in the 
erection of tJie building, and the congregation having 
been weakened in their ability to support a pastor, did 
not feel able to present the new congregation with a house 
of worship. But desirous of encouraging the enterprise. 



67 

they offered to give them a clear title for |1,500. This 
generous ofter was not accepted. They then offered the 
church for §1,000, hut even this magnanimous offer was 
rejected ; and so, finally, in 1846, four years after their 
organization, the village congregation offered this Consis- 
tory !$750 for the village church. The offer was accepted, 
and thus was consummated the cheapest transfer of real 
estate the county clerk has ever recorded. 

But the Lord knows how to provide for the changes 
which time works in communities. The ministry of Mr. 
Marcellus was very greatly blessed, so that, although a 
church had been formed out of the congregation, he had 
the satisfaction of seeing their places more than filled. 
When commencing his ministrj', the membership of the 
church was 187. When the pastoral relation was dis- 
solved it was 181. To the ministry of Mr. Marcellus, two 
important institutions of the church owe their origin — 
the Sabbath school and the week-day prayer meeting. 
The Sabbath school was organized in 1840. It was held, 
for want of a better place, in the gallery of the church, 
and there it has ever since convened. It is known as 
the Brick Church Sabbath School, and is in session only 
through the warm months of the year. The first year of 
its existence it reported 108 scholars, with an average at- 
tendance of 80. Its first Superintendent was Mr. William 
Statesir. He was succeeded by Mr. AVilliam Spader, 
who superintended the school for twenty years with 
great ability and success. Mr. Lafayette G. Schenek 
was Superintendent a short time,, when Mr. Lafayette 
Schenek, the present Superintendent, assumed the office. 
There are in this school four large adult Bible classes, an 
infant class, 13 teachers and 100 scholars. 

About the same time that the Sabbath school was or- 
ganized, the weekly prayer meeting was started. Mr. 
John Baird and Mr. William Van Dorn, now deceased, 
met, according to appointment, at the house of Mr. Van 
Dorn, the present residence of his son, Mr. Daniel P. Van 
Dorn. The meeting was small. There was only one 



68 

other present — the Lord Jesus Christ. Mr. Van Dorn led 
the singing, Mr. Baird led in prayer, and the Lord Jesus 
Christ blessed the assembly. The same evening Mr. Wil- 
liam Spader and Mr. Tunis V. Conover, deceased, accor- 
ding to appointment, held a similar meeting at the resi- 
dence of Mr. William Statesir, the house now occupied 
by his son, Mr. D. Abeel Statesir. This Avas also quite a 
small meeting. But, as at the other, so also here, Jesus 
Christ was present. It was a day of small things. But 
similar meetings were afterwards held in other parts of 
the congregation, which gave rise to neighborhood prayer 
meetings, that were well attended, and issued at length in 
the regular Thursday evening lecture and prayer meeting. 

In 1851 the Rev. Ralph Willis succeeded Mr. Mar- 
cellus. He was installed September 23d. The Rev. Dr. 
Van Vranken preached the sermon, from St. Matthew's 
Gospel, 24 : 14. " This Gospel of the Kingdom shall be 
preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations, 
and then shall the end come." The Rev. Dr. Reiley read 
the form and delivered the charge to the pastor. The 
Rev. A. C. Millspaugh delivered the charge to the people. 
Mr. Willis was a graduate of Rutgers College, and of the 
Theoloo-ical Seminary of New Brunswick. He was li- 
censed by the Classis of Philadelphia, and ordained to the 
Gospel ministry as pastor of the Reformed church at 
Bethlehem., N. Y. in 1842. His ministry here embraces 
a period of over 16 years. The pastoral relation was dis- 
solved February 28th, 1868. From that time to the pres- 
ent he has been settled at Spotswood, Middlesex county, 
a pastor beloved by the people of his charge and cheered 
by the blessing of God upon his labors. The years he 
occupied the pulpit of this church, although unattended 
by any special seasons of revival, were years of seed-sow- 
ino- and constant ingathering; 166 were added to the 
communion of the the church — 129 by confession and 37 
by certificate. 

In 1852 a second Sabbath school was organized at 
Marlborough. It met in the District school house, and 



69 

was intended only as a winter school. It was at first su- 
perintended by Mr. Willis himself. Those who have oc- 
cupied the office of Superintendent are too numerous to 
mention. Those who have done so for the longest period 
are Mr. Lafayette G. Schenck and Mr. John Baird. 
Since the erection of the Chapel this school has been 
maintained both Summer and Winter, and has proved 
what every Sabbath school should, a nursery of the 
church. It is known as the Marlborough Chapel Sabbath 
School. There are in it a large infant class, two adult 
Bible classes, 15 teachers and about 150 scholars. It has 
also a well selected library of 400 volumes, purchased by 
the young ladies attending the school. 

In 1855 the church grounds for burial purposes were 
enlarged by the addition of an acre of land, on the west 
side of the church, and in 1866 a similar addition was 
made on the east side, and the sheds which formerly stood 
in the rear of the church were removed to their present 
position, greatly enhancing the appearance of the ceme- 
tery, which is rapidly becoming one of the most pictur- 
esque and beautiful. The church building was also put 
in thorough repair and the wood work painted. The im- 
provements cost the congregation about $2,000. 

In 1856 the Reformed church af Colts Neck was or- 
ganized, from fiimilies and communicants of this church, 
and the church at Ilolmdel. But the congregation, al- 
though twice depleted by the organization of churches 
since their separation from Middletown, were not disheart- 
ened. 

A minute of Consistory discloses the fact, that acorii- 
mittee appointed to revise the salary list, "which, owing 
to some changes in the congregation by removals had 
fallen short," were more than successful, not only making 
good the loss sustained, but increasing the minister's sala- 
ry $125. Division quite frequently results in increase. 

In 1868 the Rev. George Swain succeeded Mr. Willis. 
He was installed September 1st. He was a graduate of 
the College and Seminary at New Brunswick, and had 



70 

been ordained in 1866, bj the Classis of j^ew Brunswick, 
at Middlebush, Somerset county, N. J., which position 
he resigned at the call of this people. At his installation 
the Rev. Garret C. Sclienck presided, and read the form. 
The Rev. George Seibert preached the sermon, from Gala- 
tions 6 : 4 — " Let every man prove his own work." The 
charge to the pastor was delivered by the Rev. Samuel 
Lockwood, and the Rev. James Bolton delivered the 
cliarge to the people. Mr. Swain's ministry proved to be 
a short one. Ue resigned his call in April, 1873, to take 
charge of the Gates Avenue Presbyterian Church, of 
Brooklyn, ]S^. Y. This position he occupied about two 
years, when he became pastor of the Old Presbyterian 
Church at AUentown, Monmouth county, 'N. J., where he 
still resides. During his ministry here 60 persons were 
added to the membership of the church, 43 by confession 
of faith, and 17 by certificate. 

Immediately after the settlement of Mr. Swain, meas- 
ures were inau2:urated for securins; a Lecture Room or 
Chapel in the village of Marlborough. Various causes 
rendered such a building desirable. The villao-e was 
growing, and many of its inhabitants, in the communion 
of the church, were unable to attend the services in this 
house of worship with regularity and convenience. 

In 1869 a suitable lot of about half an acre, on the 
west side of Main street, in the center of the village, was 
purchased by the Consistory, and a committee appointed 
to secure the erection of a Chapel. Messrs, Uriah Smock, 
Peter L. Cortelyou, Lafayette Schenckand Dr. LewisI.Gor- 
don constituted this committee. They pushed the work 
forward with energy and zeal. The building they erect- 
ed is 26 ft. wide and 46 ft. lono; and cost the con<j;reo-ation 
|2,725. The pulpit was provided by the Consistory of 
the Second Reformed Church of Freehold. The bell was 
donated bv Mr. Peter L. Cortelvou. The head-lio-ht 
over the door was the o-ift of Mr. David R. Ilobart. The 
clock was presented by the lion. Garret A. Ilobart, of 
Paterson, 'N. J., and the Bible and Hymn Book by Mrs. 



71 

John E. Cotiover. The huilding was entirely free from 
debt, and was dedicated to the service of the Triune Je- 
hovah, in accordance with the beautiful form prescribed 
in the Liturgj^ ot the Reformed Church, November 2l8t, 
1869. An eloquent sermon was preached on the occasion 
by the Eev. Gulick Van Aken, of Freehold. The house 
was crowded to its utmost capacity, and the services vt^ere 
of a nature the most interesting. The people rejoiced and 
the angels of God rejoiced in heaven. The building was 
needed to meet the wants of the growing village. Its servi- 
ces have ever been largely attended. It has proved a move- 
ment in the right direction, and at the right time. It has 
constantly tended to the church's increase. God lias 
made the place glorious by displays of His power. We 
need a similar building in the northern part of the con- 
gregation. My heart aches because there is none. I am 
ready for the service such a building would require, and 
pray God and my people to hasten its erection. 

In 1870 the congregation determined to dispose of 
the farm, which for forty years had been the home of their 
pastors, and build a parsonage in Marlborough village. 
To carry out this desire a committee was appointed, con- 
sisting of Messrs. Peter L. Cortelyou, Uriah Smock, 
Peter C. Van Der Veer, A. W. Ilobart and Peter C. Du 
Bois. A suitable lot near the Chapel, but on the oppo- 
site side of the street, was purchased of Mr. William W. 
Herbert, for $550. The farm was sold tor $6,110, and a 
pleasant home erected for the pastor's use. The building 
cost $4,325. The necessary grading and fencing and out- 
side improvements about $1,300. The house is an orna- 
ment to the village, and with slight alterations to be made 
in the future, will be as convenient and ample a dwelling- 
place as any one could desire. 

Your present pastor was called from the First Reformed 
Church of Bayonne city, N. J., the latter part of July, 
1873. He commenced his labors the lirst Sabbath of Sep- 
tember, and was installed the 7th day of October. The 
Rev. Dr. liageman presided, read the form and delivered 



72 

the charge to the pastor. The sermon, hy request of Clas- 
sis, was preached by the Rev. Ransford Wells, D. D., then of 
Brookfield, Conn, from Hebrews 13 : 17 — " Obey them 
that liave the rale over you, and submit yourselves, for 
they watch for your souls as they that must give account." 
The charge to the people was delivered by the Rev. Jas. 
B. Wilson. 

On the following Sabbath the newly installed pastor 
preached his inaugural sermon, from Rom. 1 : 15 — " I am 
ready to preach the Gospel to you." The great and good 
God, from that time to the present, has been with us and 
blessed us. Only four years have passed since I iirst ad- 
ministered to you the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, but 
God in his mercy has made those years exceedingly fruit- 
ful ; 90 persons have been added to the membership of 
the church, 61 by confession of faith in Christ, and 29 by 
certificate. When commencing my labors as your pastor, 
there were in the communion of the church 176 persons. 
Death has been busy, and removals have been numerous, 
but to-day, so great has been the Lord's goodness, there 
are 217 persons in the communion of the church — a larger 
number than during the whole period of tlie church's ex- 
istence, 168 years, have ever been identified at one time 
with the church. To God be all the praise and all the 
Sflorv o-iven. The increase is the gift of His savino- love. 

Since 1709 the congregation has bee.n in charge of 
ten pastors, three of whom are living. They have been 
of various nationalities, and the record is amusing. Of 
Welsh, Hollandish, Swedish, Frencli and Englisli descent 
there has been one each ; of Scottish descent two ; of Amer- 
ican Dutch three. The present pastor is the only one " to 
the manor born " — the only New Jersey Dutchman, born, 
baptised, educated, licensed and ordained in the Reformed 
Church, who has ministered here. 

The first benevolent contribution made by this church 
of which there is record, was in 1789. The record is in 
the form of a receipt, and reads as follows : 



73 

" Cash collected by Cornelius Van Mater, Dekun in the Middletown 
Meten house, for the uce of the Sepofte of the Gosi)eI in unseteled con- 
gregiilions, and among the Indian Tiibe, on Sonday, the 23 August 1789 : 

To Jarsey paper money, £2 17 9 

To Silver, 8 5 

Jarsey Coppers, 17 8 

£4 3 10 
" Received of Cornelius Van Maier, Dekan, the sum of fore pounds, 
three shillings, and ten pence, for the uce above saide. 

" Received by me 

September the "I Benj. DuBois." 

28lh, 17^9. j 

In 1822 there is a record of a contribution of $22 for 
the Theological Seininai-y at Xew Brunswick. There 
were probably other benevolent gifts, but the record can 
be seen only in the books on high. In 1827, $300 were 
given for the purchase of the College edifice at New 
Brunswick, and in 1831, $150 was contributed for the 
same purpose. 

Since 1853 there has been a record of the monies 
raised for benevolent purposes, and since 1857 of the mo- 
nies raised for congregational purposes. In this record 
there are some omissions, a few years are not reported. But 
the record shows that for 23 years, since 1852, there has 
been contributed to benevolent objects $11,922 ; and that 
for 18 years, since 1857, there has been contributed for 
congregational purposes, $32,948. 

The friends of tlie church have also to some extent 
in their last will and testament remembered her interests. 

In 1825 there was received for church building pur- 
poses from the estate of Tunis G. Van Der Veer, deceased, 
$2,500. 

In 1850 there was received from the estate of Garret 
Wj'ckoff, deceased, the interest to be applied to the main- 
tenance of the ministry, $1,725. 

In 1859 a legacy was received from William II. 
Smock, deceased, of $200, and in 1877, a legacy from 
Garret S. Smock, deceased, of $250, the interest from 
both to be used for the support of the j^astor. 



74 

Such examples are worthy of imitation. A few hun- 
clrecl dollars thus wisely appropriated are a lasting good. 
The christian believer, by such gifts, is enabled to pro- 
claim the Gospel forever on earth, while he is adoring the 
Savior who loved him, and sought him, and brought liim 
to his own bria^ht home in the skies. 

Of the membership of the church, three have conse- 
crated themselves to the Gospel ministry. The first to do 
so was the Rev. William Schenck, who was born October 
13th, 1740. His parents were Court Schenck and Maria 
Cowenhov^en. They lived on the farm now occupied by 
Mr. Uriah Smock, and gave their child, William, to God in 
holy baptism, January tiOth, 1741. When 23 years of age 
he married Miss Anna Cummings, a daughter of Robert 
Cummings, High Sheriff of Monmouth county, and a 
o-rand-dauo-hter of the wife of Rev. William Tennent. He 
commenced studying for the ministry in the fall of 1763, 
graduated from the College of New Jersey at Princeton 
in 1767, studied theology with Rev. William Tennent, and 
was licensed by the Presbytery of New Brunswick in 1770. 
He was ordained pastor of the Presbyterian church at 
Allentown,K J., in 1771. In 1777 he assumed the pasto- 
rate of the Reformed churches of North and South Hamp- 
ton, Penn., where he remained for three years. This was 
his only charge in tlie church of his fathers. In 1780 he 
removed to Pittsgrove, N. J., and became pastor of the 
Presbyterian church in which Rev. Benjamin Dubois was 
baptised. After a ministry here of six years, he settled 
at Balston, near Saratoga. Here he continued until 1793, 
when he removed to Huntington, Long Island. This was 
his last pastorate. In 1817 he resigned his charge, retired 
from the active duties of tlie ministry, and moved to 
Franklin county, Ohio, where he died September 1st, 
1823, in the 83d year of his age. One of his grand-sons 
has for many years been an Admiral in the United States 

Navy. 

" He was a man of much personal dignity, and sus- 
tained a character which challenged the respect of all who 



75 



knew him."* Ills manuscript sermons exliihit mental 
ability of no mean order — clear expositions of divine truth 
and neatly turned sentences. He evidently relied upon 
God's truth, faithtully proclaimed to do God's work. He 
was a sound, evangelical preacher, a venerable, tine look- 
ing gentleman, as is testitied by a silhouette in the posses- 
sion of Rev. Garret C. Schenck. 

The other members of this church who have entered 
the ministry', are the Rev. Garret C. Schenck, who united 
with the church Februarj^ 2d, 1827, and whom you all 
know and love ; and the Rev. Edward P. Li vino-stone, 
who united with the church in December, 1854, and who 
is laboring in the West with rem irkiible success. 

In 1827 there were 80 families in the cono;reo|;;ition, 
and only 68 in the communion of the church, or 12 
less than one communicant for each family. These are 
the nunibers with which commenced the occupancx' of 
this building. Two Reformed churches have since been 
formed out of the congregation, one entirely and the 
other in part. A Baptist church has been organized in 
Marlborough village, and a Methodist church in the 
northern part of the congregation, l)ut this year we report 
100 families and 214 in communion, or 14 more than two 
communicants for each family. 

The changes of the half century, with the blessing of 
God, have tended to our increase; advancing age, instead 
of bringing decrepitude, lias brought greater strength, God 
has remembered his covenant promises, and the Gospel 
has proved the power of God unto salvation to the chil- 
dren of the covenant. 

Of those who are now in the communion of the 
church, by far the greater number were born and educa- 
ted in the Reformed church : 10 were brought up in the 
Presbyterian church, 14 in the Baptist, 3 each in the Epis- 
copal and Congregational church, one in the Methodist, 
but 183 in the Reformed church. The children of pious 
parents have followed their footsteps ; 16 descendants of 

* Thompson's Historr of Long Island. 



76 

Dominie DiiBois, although but a comparatively small por- 
tion of his descendants, are in the congregation, all in 
the communion of the church. Of this number 5 are 
grand-children, 10 are great-grand-children, and one is a 
great-great-grand-child. 

In 51 families both husband and wife are professing 
christians. In 38 families all who are over ten years of 
age are professing christians. 

On the new church register of communicants, made 
in 1873, the name of Schenck occurs 32 times, Van Der 
Veer 17 times, Conover 15 times, Smock and Whitlock 
each 12 times. 

The congregation contains 367 persons : 166 are males 
of whom 67 are in the commmnnion of the church; 201 
are females, of whom 147 are in the communion of the 
church ; 185 are or have been married ; 71 are under ten 
years of age. Of the families composing the congrega- 
tion, 88 reside in Marlborough township, 7 in Atlantic, 3 
in Matavan, and one each in Freehold and Manalapan. Of 
the heads of the families, 70 are farmers, 11 are farm as- 
sistants, 6 are merchants, 5 are mechanics, 5 are gentle- 
men of leisure, 2 are clergymen, and 1 is a physician. 

In 1709 there were only 50 persons in the county of 
Monmouth in the Reformed church. There are now, ac- 
cording to the last Synodical report, 1,288. The total pop- 
ulation of Monmouth county in 1737, was 6,086. The num- 
ber then in the communion of the Reformed church was 
119, or about one member of the Reformed church for every 
52 inhabitants. The last United States census gives the 
total population of Monmouth county at 46,316, so that 
now, with a church membership of 1,288, there is one 
member of the Reformed church for every 36 inhabitants. 
While the population of the county is nearly 7.62 times 
greater than in 1737, the membership of the Reformed 
church is more than 10.62 times greater than at that date. 
While the population of the county has increased at an an- 
nual average rate of only 4| per cent., the membership of 
the Reformed church has increased at an annual average 



77 

rate of 6| per cent. Such increase is gratifying. It 
shows us that the KingdoLU of God is advancing, and that 
prophecies in relation to the church's triumph, are liast- 
ening to their fulfillment. To the Grod of all grace, all 
the praise is due. He gives the increase. His presence 
and favor and blessing are the genial influences which se- 
cure prosperity. " Except the Lord build the house, they 
labor in vain that build it."- " To Him be all the glory." 
The sainted ones who have ministered here cry ever be- 
fore the throne — "To Him be all the glory." From all 
the churches represented here to-day the cry ascends — 
" To Him be all the glory," " Blessing, and honor, and 
glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon tlie 
throne, and unto the Lamb forever." 

The fact, that here, where we are assembled, for nearly 
a century and a half, God has graciously Ueen pleased to 
dwell, the Gospel has been proclaimed, the sacraments 
have been administered, redeeming grace has abounded, 
and saving mercj' has been found, not only justifies these 
memorial services, but proclaims that this is hallowed 
ground. 

" What's hallowed gcroiind : 'Tis what gives birth 
To sacred thoughts in souls of worth." 

But where shall thoughts more sacred be born than 
at the shrine ot achievements so mighty, or of works so 
grand that they mutely testify : 

" To rear me was the task of power divine, 
Siiprumest wisdom and primeval love." 

The memories of the past should awaken gratitude 
the most devout, gratitude that this old church, venerable 
with age, when American independence was achitjvcd, 
possesses still the vigor of youth, with no marks of old 
age save the lioary memories which hang over her brow, 
a crown of glory ; gratitude that since our fathers rallied 
around the- cross, one hundred and seventy-eight years 
ago, the ranks they formed have never been broken ; that 
when the fathers fell in the conflict, their children took 
their places ; that we have triumphed over the gates of 
death : that to-day we are marching on, a larger, stronger, 



78 

better disciplined army than ever before; gratitude that 
so many now in glory, pointing to this sacred spot can say : 

" Oft the aisle of that old church we trod, 
Guided thither by an angel mother ; " 

that we have their example to cheer us and encour- 
age us, and that their presence with God in heaven is now 
like " a great voice from heaven, saying, come up hither." 
Oh, it is worthy of continual gratitude to know that 
when we are followinor Jesus, there is for us a 2;rand re- 
union with those from whom we are descended, a numer- 
ous company of relatives in heaven ; well may we say : 

" Our boast is not that we deduce our bir-tli, 
From loins enthroned and rulers of the earth, 
But higher far, our proud pretensions rise, 
The sons of fathers passed into the skies." 

The memories of the past should quicken our dili- 
gence and increase our zeal. What God has accomplished 
through the instrumentality of this church — the souls 
here won for Jesus Christ are but the tirst fruits of the 
full harvest ripening for us to gather. More than a thou- 
sand have here enrolled themselves the followers of Christ, 
a complete regiment in the grand army of the Kingdom 
of Heaven, following to victory and glorious triumph the 
Captain of our salvation, [f we are worthy sons of wor- 
thy sires, we will "hold the fort," advance our pickets, at- 
tack the foe boldly, and with zeal unabating cease not the 
good fight until we wear the crown. " Be ye steadfast, 
unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, 
forasmuch as ye know your labor is not in. vain in the 
Lord." Forgetful ness may gather over our graves, but 
what we do for God is eternal. The sculptured marble 
crumbles into dust, but neither time nor age destroys the 
record on high. Blessed are those whose names are writ- 
ten in heaven. 



Appendix. 



A. 

The records of the church are too imperfect to make a complete list 
of the Elders and Deacons. The persons named are known to have served 
in these offices. After 1764 the list is of those onlj who represented the 
Freehold congregation. 

Elders. 



Peter Van Deventer. — 1709. 

Jan Wiikof, 

Daniel Hendrickson, 

Peter Kowvenhoven, 

Peter Wiikof, 

Jacob Van Doom, 

Kriin Van Metra, 

Gerrit Schenk, 

Jacob Laen, 

Jan Schenck. 

Adrian Bennet. — 1719. 

Johannes Polhemus, 

Jan Sutphen, 

Cornelis Wiikof, 

Jan Kowvenhoven, 

Cornelis Kowvenhoven, 

Johannes Luyster. 

Ouke Hagewout. — 1728. 

Ouke Leffertsen.^1735. 

Jan Sutphen, 

Derick Barkalo, 

Matthew Pieterson. — 1747. 

Wellem Cowenhoven, 

Theunis Swart, 

Koert Schenk, 

Hendrick Bennet. 

William Wyckoff.— 1754. 

Peter Covenhoven. — 1764. 

Theunis Denise, 

Peter Schenck, 



Koert Schenck, 

William Williamse. 

John Antonidees. — 1785. 

Hendrick Smock, 

Denise Denise, 

Peter Van Dorn, 

Ouke Leffersen, 

Teunis G. Van Der Veer, 

George Lane, 

Tuenis D. DuBois. 

John n. Schenck.— 1826. 

Tunis D. DuBois, 

Garret WyckofiF, 

Daniel L Schenck, 

Aaron Smock, 

Peter Van Dorn, 

Denise Schenck, 

John H. Smock, 

Ebenezer Conover, 

William Van Dorn, 

David Nevius, 

Garret H. Smock, 

John Denise. 

Disbrow Carson. — 1836. 

John G. Denise, 

William Statesir, 

David Buck, 

Henry Smock, 

Elias Sickels. 

William Woolley. — 1846. 



82 



Tunis V. Conover, 
D. P. Smock, 
William Spader, 
Tunis StiUesir, 
JolinS. Whillock, 
David D. Hance. 
Urial) Smock. — 1856. 
Hendrick E. Conover, 
Jolin D. Sciienck, 
John K. Conover 
John Baird, 



Peter L. Cortelyou, 
Joseph Lefferson. 
Lafayette Scheiick. — 1866. 
William A. Whitlock, 
Garret Wall, 
Isaac Qiiackenbush, 
Daniel P. Conover, 
Lafayette G. Sciienck, 
John Van Der Veer, 
James E. Wells, 
Milton Smock. 



B. 



Deacons. 



Jacob Van Dorn.— 1709. 

Garret Schenk, 

Jacob Laen, 

Jan Schenl?, 

Adrian Bennet, 

Cornelius Cowenhoven, 

Jan Cowenhoven, 

Johannes Polhemus, 

Jan Sutphen. 

Albert Cowenhoven. — 1719. 

Cornelius Wiikof, 

Elbert Willinisen. 

Johannes Luyster, 

Ouke Ilagewout, 

Adrian Langestraet, 

Benjamin Van Cleef, 

Jacob Cowenhoven, 

Cornelius Doom, ^ 

Peter Nefies, 

Gisbert Sutphen, 

Thomas Davis, 

Hendrick Kip, 

Johannes Aiitonides, 

Joris Kowenhoven, 

Derick Barkalo. 

Willem Cowenhoven. — 1729. 

Jan Van Metra, 

Koert Schenck, 

Theunis Swart. 

Theunis Amack. — 1735. 



William Cowenhoven. — 1764. 

David Wiliemson, 

Derrick Sutphen, 

Cornelius Cowenhoven, 

John Antonldes. 

Peter Van Doom. — 1787. 

Gorge Smock, 

Ouke Leffersen. 

Gorge Lane. — 1797. 

Teunis G. Van Der Veer, 

David Van Der Veer, 

Teunis I. D. Van Der Veer. 

Teunis D. DuBuis.— 1807. 

Garret Wyckoff, 

Peter Wyckoff, 

Samuel Wyckoff, 

Aaron Smock, 

John H. Smock. 

Garret G.VanDerVeer.— 1817. 

John Wyckoff, 

John Lane. 

Garret 11. Smock. 

Jos. Van Cleef.— 1826. 

Garret G. Conover. 

Denise Schenck.— 1827. 

William Van Dorn. 

David Nevius, 

Ebenezer Conover, 

Geo. Reid, 

John Denise, 



83 



Hendrick H. Smock, 

William WooFley, 

Eliiis Sickels, 

Henry Ilinris, M. D. 

Disbiow Carson. — 1832. 

Peter P. Van Dorn, 

David Buck, 

Peter Van Dorn, Jr., 

Henry Smock, 

William Statesir, 

William Wall, 

William Robinson, 

J. F. T. Forman, 

A a '•on A u mack. 

D. Polliemiis Smock. — 1840. 

Rulif I. Conover, 

Jolm DuBois, 

Sylvester Buck, 

Garret S. Smock, 

Tunis V. Conuver, 

Davi.l D. Hance, 

William Spader. 

Tennis Statesir. — 1850. 

Uriah Smock, 

John S. Wliillock, 

Joseph Schenck, 

John Baiid, 

John D. Schenck, 

Hendrick E. Conover, 

John C. Smock, 

Aaron A. Smock, 

Joseph Lefferson, 

Garret S. Whitlock, 

John Jolly, 



John E. Conover, 

K. Hyers Baird, 

Lafayette Schenck, 

Henry Otterson, 

William H. Hyer, 

James Van Kirk. — 1860. 

Edwin Sut|)hen, 

Garret Wall, 

John II. Sickles, 

Jas- Sherwood, 

Lafayette G. Schenck, 

Isaac Quackenbush, 

William A. Whitlock, 

Asher Woolley, 

Milton Smock, 

Alfred Conover, 

D. 11. Lefferson, 

D. P. Conover, 

John Whitlock, 

Joseph A. Van Der Veer, 

John Van DcrVeer. 

Peter Conover Van Der Veer. 

Wil'iam W. Herbert.— Idro. 

Oscar F. Goodrich, 

Richard Laird, 

Jas. II. Baird, 

Jas. Tillon, 

Schenck Herbert, 

Denise Schenck, 

Selaii B. Wells, 

Addison W. Ilobert, 

John I. Rue, 

John H. Van Mater. 



c. 

Treasurers. 



Garret Hendrickson, 
Tobias Polhemus, 
Daniel I. Schenck, 
John II. Smock, 



William Statesir. 
Hendrick Smock, 
William Wall, 



William Statesir, 
William A. Whitlock, 
William Spader. 



D. 

Clerks. 



William Spader, 
Lafayette G. Schenck. 



84 



E. 
Organists. 



Mrs. J. Conover Smock, 
" Peter R. Boice, 
" John V. Conover, 

Miss Shepherd, 

Mrs. John V. N. Willis, 



Mrs. P. Conover Van Der Veer, 

" Wm. I. Conover, 

" Jas. H. Baird, 
Mr. Jas. R. Cruikshank, 
Miss Tilly Conover. 



F. 



A literal copy of the list of communicants, as recorded by Dominies 
Morgan, Haeghoort and Erickzon, only in some cases the name of the 
wife has been suppliea, copied trom the Baptismal Register. 



1709. 

Peter Van Deventer and his wife 

.Moyka. 
Jan Wiikof and Nelke Kowen- 

oven, his wife. 
Kriin Jansen* and Nelke Van 

Cleve. 
Gisbert Laen and Jannetie Lam- 

merse. 
Jacob Van Doom and Maryka 

his wife. 
Jan Schenk and Sara Kowen- 

oven, his wife. 
Gerret Schenk and Nelke Voor- 

hees, his wife. 
Peter Kowenoven and Patience 

Daas,f his wife. 
Cornelius Kowenoven and Mar- 
garet Schenk, his wife. 
Albert Kowenoven and Nelke 

Schenk, his wife. 
Jan Kowenoven and Jucoba 

his wife. 
Jacob Kowenoven. 
Daniel Hendricksen and Kafriink 

Van Diik, his wife. 
Willem Hendricksen and Wil- 

lempe, his wife. 
Andreas Jansen and Hanna, his 

wife. 
Jacob Laen and Rlizal)et Barka- 

lo, his wife. 



Peter Wiikof and Willimpe 

Schenk, his wife. 
Johannes Polhemus and Anna- 
tie his wife. 

Ouke Lefiersen and Catrina 

Vonk, his wife. 
Joseph Golderand Anneke Daws 

his wife. 
Aurie Borum aud Sarah Smack, 

his wife. 
Aurie Bennett and Barbara 

his wife. 
Hendrick Guyluck and Cautie 

Ammerman, his wife. 
Jacob Wiikof. 

Karet Van Diik and his wife. 
Johannes Court. J 

1711. 

Jan Romiin and Geerke Van 

Diik, his wife. 
Geerke, Widow Romeyn. 
Derick Barkelo and Janeke Van 

.\rsdale, his wife. 
Benjamin Keener. 
Simon Van Noorten and his vrife. 
Barbara, wife of Johannes Court. 
Hank Sutphin, wife of Benjamin 

Van Cleve. 

1712. 

Sara Schenk, wife of Jacob 
Kowenoven- 



* This name should have beeu writteu Kriin Jansen Van .Mater. 

f Sometimes spelleil Daws. 

j These are the 49 nienihers of the chnrch at the time of its organization. 



86 



f 



171S. 

Jan Sutphin and Angelke Bennet 

bis wife. 
Derick yutpliin and Margaret 

Van Pelt, liis wife. 
Adrian Langestraet and Criste- 

na Janse, Ijis wife. 
Cornelis Doom.* 
Janeke Schenk. 
Eyke Van Metra. 

, wife of Jacob Wiikof. 

Margaret, wife of Albert Emans. 
Mattiis Laeu. 
John Van Metru. 

1714. 
Albert Ameroian. 

Janatban Foreman. 

1715. 

Laurence Van Hoeck and his 

wife. 
Roleph Schenk. 
Jan Van Noordtstrandt. 
Helena Willemse. 
Frans Lukas. 
Johannes Luj'ster and Lucretia, 

his wife. 
Cornelis Wiikof and Adrianke, 

his wife. 
Anke Schenk, wife of Matiis 

Laen. 
Antie Brower, widow of Pieter 

Brower. 
Debora Buys, wife of Thomas 

Smith. 
Elizabeth, wife of Obadia Bown. 

1717. 

Nicholas Lake. 

Gisbert Sutplien and Geertruy 

Van Pelf, his wife. 
Elbert Wilierason and Jocka- 

miinke, his wife. 
Benjamin Hols.aert and Annitee 

Luyster, his wife. 
Peter Nefies and Autie his 

wife. 
Aart Willemson and Autie his 

wife. 



1719. 

Benjamin Van Cleve. 

Anke Golder, wife of Cornelis 

Doom. 

, wife of Jacob Wiikof. 

Martiin Nefies and his wife. 
Hendrick Voorliies and Jannetje 

Hendricksen, his wife. 
Jahannes Swart, aud Rebecca 

Smak, his wife. 
Jacobus Swart. 
Theunis Swart. 

1721. 

Jacob Sutphin aud his wife. 

, wife of Peter Voorhees. 

Jan Bennet. 
Gisbert Van Metra. 
Hendrickus Kip. 

Willem Ger Kowvenhoven and 
his wife. 

1723. 

Janneke Kouwenhoven. 

Englke Van Diik, wife of Hen- 
drickus Van Wie. 

Tunis Amak and Lena Laen, 
his wife. 

Anna Katrina. 

Gurtruy Bennet, wife of Tunis 
Van Pelt. 

Geertie Luyster, wife of Tunis 
Swart. 

1724. 
Johannes Antonides and Johan- 
na Kowveniioven, his wife. 
Marike, wife of Ed. Barber. 
Jan -Machis and Yda, his wife. 

1725. 

Johanna Lu\ster, wife of Bar- 
rent Smack. 
Maria Van Dijk, wife of Joseph 

Golder. 
Hans Brower, 
Maria, wife of Frank Jacobise. 

1727. 

Stephen Anniack and Jannetse 
Janse, his wife. 



* Afterwards written Cornells Van Doom. 



86 



Willem Alb. Kowenoven, anil 

Elizabeth, his wife. 
Roleph Ger Schenk and Eneel- 

ke, his wife. 
Ananeke Van Doom. 
Jan Lamberts. 
Jan Benham and Gertie Van 

Diik, his wife. 

1731. 

Gerardds Haeghoort, Pastor. 
Ariaentie, wife of Willem Kou- 

wenhoven. 
Pieter V. Voorhees. 
Cornelius Van Der Veer and 

.. Yannetse Wykhaf. 
Arriaantie Van De Water, widow 

of Willem Bennit. 
Koert Schenck and Mareitie, his 

- wife. 
Joris Kouwenhoven and Altije 

Lnyster, his wife. 
John Johnson and Willempe, his 

wife. 
Nicolaas Van Brunt and Geertje 

Hendrickson, his wife. 
Aris Van Der Bill. 
Aguitie Van Doom, wife of Wil- 
lem Wykhoff. 
Joanna Van Du Mast. 
Widow De Looy. 
Catharina De Looy, wife of Rev. 

G. Haeghoort. 
Margretse Willemse, wife of 

Abram Aureus. 
Gerrit Gerritsen. 
Gerrit G. Wyckoff. 
B. Bryck. 
Jan Van Deventer and Antije 

Wynants, his wife. 
Jan Bennet and Yda Van Matere. 
Gerret Kowenoven and Lysbel 

his wife. 
Hendrick Bennet and Jannetse 

Kowenoven, his wife. 
Sara Meser. wife of Hans Hen- 

dricksen. 
Sara Huysman, wife of Nathan 

Diyk. 



Ytie Suydam, wife of Jan Van 
Meteran. 

Hendrick Smak and Autie Van 
Duyn, his wife. 

Cornelia Gysberts, wife of Jos. 
Dennis. 

Grietje Wikhof, wife of Willem 
Wallen. 

Willemitse Van Voorhees, wife 
of Hendrickns Kip. 

Sytie Van Wihkale, wife of Jo- 
seph Van Cleeft. 

Gannethe Laen. 

1737. 

Reynhard Erickzon, Pastor. 

John Smit. 

Johannes Smak. and Trijntje 
Barentze, his wife. 

Anna EUsabet Tederick. 

Teuntje Hendrikze, wife of Jona- 
than Homes. 

Hendrik Hendrikze. 

Barent Smak. 

Cornelius Van Der Veer and 
Marretje Smak, his wife. 

Benjamin Van Metteren and 
Elisebeth Laan, his wife. 

Joseph Van Metteren and Sara 
Schenk, his wife. 

Maria Elisabeth Diets. 

Widow, John M. Scholtes. 

Jan Sutveen, Jr. 

Maijka Van Kerk, wife of Jan 
Lammertze. 

Altje Couwenhove, widow. 

Abraham Van Deventer. 

Arie Van Doom- 

Geertje Voorhees. 

Altje Garretze. 

1740. 
Phoebi Smit, widow. 
Adriaan Hun. 
Theunis De Neis, and Francijut- 

je Hindrikzon, his wife. 
Maijke Hindrikzon, wife of Gijs- 

bert Van Metteren. 
Johannes Bennit and Agnietje, 

his wife. 



87 



VVilm Com. Couwenliove. 

Roelef Couwenbove. 

Hindrik Zedam and Maria Van 

Sikkele, Lis wife. 
Cathrina Langstraat, wife of Jan 

. . Sutveen, Jr. 
Elisabeth Borkloo, wife of Reik 

Zedam. 
Peregrinus Imbiirg and Cornelia 

Provoost, his wife. 
Gerrit Schenk, Jr. and Jannet- 

je Couwenliove, his wife. 
Neeltje Schenk, wife of Hindrik 

Hindrikzon. 

1741. 
Pieter Voorhees. 

Wilm Couwenbove and Antje 

Hindrikze. 
Maria Langstraat, wife of Wilm 

Hindrikzon. 
Ariaantje Couwenbove. 

1743. 

Matthias Pieterzon and Gezina 
Hindrikzon, bis wife. 

Johannes Hilts. 

Jannetje Thiesson, wife of Jona- 
than Hout. 

Jan Jansen. 

Jannetje Couwenbove, wife of 
Aart Van Derbilt. 

Wi llem Heijer and Maria Van De 
Rijp. 

Jannetje Tbijsson, wife of Petrus 

^ Hegens. 

Antje Schenk, wife of Arie Van 
Doom. 



Sarah Van Brijk. 

1745. 
Wilm Wijkbof. 
Aafje Erickzori. 
Bernardus Vroman. 

1746. 

Helena Booragaart. 

1747. 
Geesje Hindrikzon, wife of Roe- 

lef Schenk.. 
Daniel Hindrikzon and Cathrina 

Couwenbove, bis wife. 
Jannetje Hindrikzon, widow of 

Roelef Couwenbove. 

1750. 

Derk Zutveen. 

Wilm Wilmzon and Aaltje Cou- 
wenbove, bis wife. 

Pieter Couwenbove and Lea 
Schenk, bis wife. 

Mattbeus Laan and Catheiina 
Polbemus, bis wife. 

David Wilenzon. 

Pieter Schenk. 

Jan Schumeman. 

Neeltje Van Mettere, wife of Ger- 
rit Couwenbove. ' 

Sara Smak. 

Jacob Van Doom. 

1752. 

David Wilemzon and Femmetje 

Swart, bis wife. 
Johannes Smak and Elisabeth 

Couwenbove, bis wife.* 



G. 

These Bibles are the same. They were piinted in 17'28, and probably 
brongbt to this country by Rev. Gerardus Haegboort, in 1731. They were 
published by consent of the States General of the Netherlands. Tbey con- 
tain : 

An introduction to all the books of the Old and New Testaments. 

THe Psalms of David set to music. 

* The spelling of tlie names seems to have Leeii at the optiou of tlie pastor. Iliieghoort 
was the only Hollander, and probably gives tlie correct Dutch orthography. Morgan was 
a ScotchniHU, and has spelled the names ae they sounded to hinj. His record may he a 
guide to the Dutch pronunciation. 



88 

The Heidelbergh Catechism. 

The Belgic Confession of Faith. 

The Liturgy of the Reformed Church of the Netherlands, and copies 
of several Ancient Creeds, together with a Compendium of the Christian 
Religion. 

The following is a literal transcript of the title page with the excep- 
tion of the wood cut which adorns it : 

BIBLIA, 

DAT IS 

De gantfche H. Schrifture, 

vervattende alle de Canonijcke 
Boecken des Ouden en des Nieuwen 

TESTEMENTS. 

^e-nd j^^-/ -d^d-Cu^f^ y.^'n-cc^ Synode Nationael, 

Uyt de Oorfpronckelicke talen in onfe 
Nederlandtfche tale getrouwelick 
overgefet. 

Met Consent van de Ed: Gr: Achtb: 

Heeren B u r g e r m e e s t e r e n 
in Amsterdam. 



89 



H. 

This anthem was selected because of its similaritv to th. 
the de-iicatio„ of the church, September 9th 8 4 t 1, ? '"°^ "' 

could not be found, and the anthem eoulT'n'ot'be r eZl t" T. 
fir^t verse was sun, . a modern melod,. We insert for preservation thl 



Dedicatiqx Anthem. 
I was glad when they said unto me 
Let us go to the house of the Lord : 
Our feet shall stand within thy gates 
O Jerusalem ; O Jerusalem, Jerusalem is builded 
As a city that is compact together, 
Whither the tribes go up, the tribe's of the Lord 
Unto tlie testimony of Israel, ' 

To give thanks to the name of the Lord. 
Peace be within thy walls 
And prosperity within thy palaces ; 

Peace be within this sacred place, 
And joy a constant guest. 
With holy gifts and Heavenly grace 
Be her attendants blest; 

Here, mighty God, accept our vows, 
Here let Thy praise be spread. 
Bless the provision of Thy house, 
And feed the poor with bread; 

Here let the Son of David reign, 
And God's Anointed shine ; 
Justice and truth His courts maintain, 
With love and power divine • 

Here let Him hold a lasting throne, 
And, as His kingdom grows 
Fresh honors shall adorn his crown, 
And shame confound flis foes. 

How beautiful upon the mountain 
Are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings 
That publisheth peace. Peace be on earth. 
Good will towards men. Hallelujah ! 

For the Lord God 
Omnipotent reigneth ; for the Lord God 
Omnipoteat reigneth ! 

Amen ! amen ! 



NAMES OF COMMUNICANTS, SEPT. 5, 1877. 



C, indicates received by Certificate ; P, by Profession of Faitli. We 
do not know the exact time wlien those were received who united with 
the church during the ministry of Dr. Van \''ranlien ; the date of their re- 
ception is left blank. The maiden name of married ladies is in the right 
hand column, f Designates widows. J Indicates filial descent from 
those whose names, if man and wife, are immediately above without this 
mark, or from the person whose name is immediately above without this 
mark. * Denotes long continued residence beyond the bounds of the con- 
gregation. The persons thus designated are unknown to the present pas- 
tor. 



Names. 


When Rec'd. 


How 


Remarks. 


Miss Marv Ellen Asay 


Dec. 6, '73. 

Nov. 19, '40. 
Jan. 31, '52. 
June 6, '73. 

a u 11 

" " '68. 

" " '73. 
Nov. 19, '40. 
Mar. I, '62. 
" 6, '69. 

Mar. 1, '40. 
Dec. 4, '6i'. 
June 3, '6(t. 
Mar. 3, '77. 

U U »i 

Dec. 5, '74. 
" 1, '60. 
" 5, '57. 
" " '75. 

u u i: 


P 

P 
C 

C 

p 

c 
c 
p 
p 

p 

p 
p 
p 
p 
p 
p 
c 
p 
p 
p 
p 

c 
p 
p 
p 
p 
p 
p 




John Baird, 




Mrs. John Baird 


Sarah Ann Denise. 


David A. Baird. J 


Robert C. Baird. t 




James H. Baird. J 




Mrs. James H. Baird 

Miss Elizabeth Baird 


Huldah Millspaugh. 


Mrs. John B. Bennet.f 

Miss Anna Boice 


Ann Sickels. 


Mrs. Elias Brower, Sr.f 

" Elias Brower, Jr 

John E. Brower 


Elizabeth Myers. 
Mary McGachen. 


Mrs. J. E. Brower 

Joseph B. Brower. J 

Miss Anna M. Brower. + 


Elizabeth Anderson. 




Mrs. Garret Brower 

" William Brown 


Sarah Brower. 
.Matilda Reed. 
Mary E. Hulse. 


'< Edward Burke.* 


Joseph A. Butcher 


Mrs. Joseph A. Butcher 


Elmira Pittenger. 


Disbrow Carson 


William V. Carson. J 

Mrs. Wm. V. Carson 


Mar. 6, '7ft. 

" 5. '65. 

May 25, '44. 




Eleanor Herbert. 
Anna M. Hyer. 
Ann Brower 


" Garret Carson 

'' William Clavton 


" Wm. Clayton, Jr 

Miss Mary A. ('layton.t ' 


Mar. 3, '77. 

u u u 


Anna Burke. 



92 



Names. 



Mrs. Charles F. Clayton 

" John V. Conover.f* 

" Wm. I. Conover 

Daniel P. Conover 

Mrs. D. P. Conover 

John D. Conover. J 

Mrs. Garret Conover 

Miss Elizabeth W. Conover.. 

Mrs. John R. Conover.f 

Miss Alethia Cooke 

" Martha M. Cornell 

Peter L. Corielyou 

Mrs. P. L. Cortelyou 

Cornelius Con rson 

Janaes II. Cruikshank 

Mrs. James R. Cruikshank... 

Miss Kate M. Cruikshank. J. 



Mrs. P. Conover DuBois.f. 
Miss Mary Ella DuBois.J... 
Mrs. E. J. Dunham.* 



When Rec'd. 



John T. Emmons.* 

Mrs. Wm. T. Emmons. 
Holmes S. Emmons. J.. 



Miss Jane E. Gordon 

Mrs. Lewis I. Gordon. f. 
" George C. Gordon 
Miss Ella C. Gordon. J..., 



Sept. 
Mar. 
Dec. 
Sept. 

a 

Mar. 

Sept. 

Mar. 

Sept. 

Mar. 



3, '70. 
2, '37. 
5, '74. 

•2, '65. 



Oct. 
Mar 



4. '76. 

2, '71. 
4, '76. 

1, '55. 
4, '71. 
" '76. 
2, '61. 

a 11 

9, '42. 
4, '76. 



June 6. '63. 
Sept. 5, '74. 
Mar. 4, '71. 

Mar. 3, '66. 
June 5, '70. 
Mar. 3, '77. 



Dec. 5, '68. 
Mar. 4, '76. 



Jan. 8, '43. 



David D. Hance 

Mrs. David D. Hance 

Miss Helen Hankinson June 

Joseph W. Hauxhurst.* .Mar. 

Miss Margaret Hayes Dec. 

Mrs. John W. Herbert 

Miss Catherine Herbert. J June 

J Schenck Herbert Dec 

Miss Cornelia H. Herbert June 

Gordon D. Herbert Dec 

Addison W. Hobert June 

Mrs. A. W. Hobert 

David R. Hoberi.J 

Mrs. D. R. Hobert 

Mrs. Jonathan S. Holmes... 

Asher H. Holmes. J 

Mrs. A. H. Holmes 

Tylee S. Holmes. J 

Miss Sarah M. Holmes. J 

Mrs. Lozell Holmes 

.Michael Holmes jDec 

Mrs. Michael Holmes j " " " 

Miss Ella Holmes. J 'June 3, '76. 



6, '74. 
6, '69. 

4, '69. 

5, '68. 

6, '74. 
6, '73. 
6, '74. 

4, '75. 

5, '69. 

2, '77. 



ar. 


4, 


'76 




o, 


'6^ 




3, 


'67 




4, 


'76 




11 


11 




5, 


'70 


ec. 


4, 


'69 



How 



P 
P 
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P 
P 
P 
P 
P 
P 

c 
p 
c 
c 
p 
c 
c 
p 

p 
p 
p 

p 
p 
p 

p 
p 
p 
p 

p 
p 
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c 
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p 
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p 
p 
p 
p 
p 
p 



Remarks. 



Mary H. Wall. 
Eleanor Schenck. 
Cornelia L. Smock. 



Elmira 


T. Morgan 


Mary 


H 


ulshart. 


Mary 


J 


ine Van Kirk. 






Jane 


B 


ergen. 




Kate 


M 


. Molt. 


Ann 


Vi 


rginia Carson. 


Ann 


El 


iza Bennet. 


Rach 


el 


Emmons. 





Lydia V. Walters. 
Mary S. Conover. 



Jane Ann Van Cleef. 



Agnes Wright. 



Sophia Van Der Veer. 

Ella S. Smock. 
Matilda V. Schenck. 



Margaret Schenck. 



Ellen E. Sickels. 
Julia Ann Emmons. 



.BJa'09 



93 



Names. 



Samuel T. Holmes. J 

Mrs. S T. Holmes 

.Mrs. John S. Hiilsliart.f .. 
Miss Catherine L. Hyer.*., 

Mrs. James Johnson.* 

yamuel Jones 

Mrs. Samuel Jones 



Richard Laird 

Mrs. R. Laird 

Miss Rhoda R. Laird. J 

" Caroline Laird. ;J: 

'' Mary Ella Laird. J 

Lewis M. Laird.;]: , 

Samuel Leigh ton 

.Mrs. Samuel Leightou 

William R. Leightoij| 

Mrs. \Vm. R. Leighton 

" Conover Leighton 

Rev. E. P.Livingston.* 

-Mrs. Samuel Luyster 

Miss Annahella .Martin 

Mrs. Gideon McDowel 

Mrs. Wm. McGachen 

Miss Elizabeth S. McGachen. + 

■' Jane McGachen. | 

" Sarah J. McGachen 

Jacoij McGachen, Jr 

Mrs. Jacob .McGachen. Jr..., 
Mrs. Rev. A. 0. Millspaugh., 
Miss Sarah E. Millspaugir.J., 

Mrs. Charles Millspaugh 

.Milford Minkinson.* 

-Mrs. Jonathan Jlorgan 



I When Rkc'd. 



Mar. 2, '67. 

11 a 1. 

June 5, '5y. 
Apr. 2t>, '51. 

Mar. 3, '66. 
June 2, '77. 



Sept. 4, '69. 



" 5, '74. 
Mar. 3, '77. 
" 5, '54. 

Mar. 3, '77. 
Sept. 1, '77. 
M.ir. 1, '73. 
Dec. 2, '54. 
Sept. 2, '76. 



June 
Feb. 

Sept. 
Dec. 4 

June 

11 

Sept. 
June 



3. 

28, 



George Nodes 

Mrs. George Nodes. 
John H. Nodes. J. .., 
Mrs. J. H. Nodes 



76. 
, '74. 

, '53." 

'69. 

"76. 

'72. 

'74. 

'74. 

'74. 

'58. 

'69. 



Ira Otterson 

-Mrs. Ira Olterson. 



Absolom Powelson. 



Mrs. Isaac Quackenbush 

Miss Sarah E. Quackenbush. J. 

Mrs. Jshn N. Reed.* 

James Reiley 

Mrs. J. T. Roberts!.. ...... '..'.'.'.'.".' 

John I. Rue 



Mar. 4, '76. 
May 30, '75. 
Mar. 4. '76. 



Sept. 2, '76. 



June 2, '72. 

Jan. 19, '50. 
Sept. 6, '66. 

Mar. 1, '62. 

" 3, '77. 

" " '66. 
Dec. 4, '77. 



How 


( 

Remarks. 


P 
P 
P 
P 

P 
C 

C 

c 

c 
c 



p 
p 1 

p i 




Jane L. Hendrickson. 
Jane Maines. 


Adeiia Hendrickson. 


Mary D. Schenck. 


Amelia Emmons. 











P [Sarah Jane Nivison. 

P I 

P iMary Louisa Weeks. 
P lEleanor J. Sickels. 
C I 



Catherine G. Painton. 



Sarah M. Van Kirk. 
Mary Nivison. 



P 
C 
P 
P 
P 

p I ..:..:::: 

p ■:::::: 

P ISarah C. Van Kirk. 
C jSarah A. Barkalo. 

P I 

P iJane Elizabeth Conover. 

P i 

P iGerradine Van Winkle. 



P 
P 
P 
P 

C 

C 



Henrietta Stillwagon. 
Sarah Easton. 



P jCathr'ne A. VanDerVeer 
P 



Margaret Chasey. 



P 

P 

P [Amelia Wooley. 

P : 



94 



Names. 



When Rec'd 



Mrs. John I. Rue Dee. 4, '69. 



Rev. Garret C. Schenck 

Mrs. Rev. G. C. Sclienck 

Miirtyn G. Schenck. J 

Lafayette G. Schenck. J 

Mrs. Lafayetre G. Schenck... 

Lafayette Schenck 

Mrs. Lafayette Schenck 

Miss Jane Ann Schenck. J 

Mrs. Sydney Schenck. f 

" William Schenck. f 

.Miss Eleanor H. Schenck. J... 

Mrs. Jacob Schenck 

Joseph Sclienck 

Mrs. Joseph Schenck 

Aaron V. P. Schenck 

Mrs. A. V. P. Schenck 

Denise Schenck 

iMrs. Denise Schenck 

Miss Mary G. Schenck 

Mrs. Holmes Schenck 

" Garret Schenck. f 

Miss Georgianna Schenck.;];. 
Mrs. Elias Schenck 

" Gordon Schenck 

John H. Sickels 

Mrs. J. H. Sickels 

" Wm. Sickels. t 

Miss Laura Sickels. J 

" Irene Sickels. J 

Mrs. Holmes Sickels 

" John R. Sickels 

Miss Mary Smith 

Daniel P- Smock 

Mrs. D. P. Smock 

Miss Ann P. Smock. J 

" Elizabsth Smock. J 

'• Jane V. D. Smock. J 

Milton Smock. J 

Mrs. Milton Suiock 

" Garret S. Smock.f 

Uriah Smock 

.Mrs. Uriaii Smock 

William Spader 

Mrs. Wm. Spader 

J. Van Der Bilt Spader. J*.... 
.Mrs. D. Abeel Statesir 

" Joseph Stryker.-j- 

Miss Sarali Stryker 

" Ann Sutphin 

Mrs. Wm. Sutphin 

Miss Jessie C. Sutphin. J , 

" Fannie J. Sutphin. J , 

Miss Josephine Snti)l)in 



iFeb. 2, '27. 

June 5, '53. 

.Mar. 6, 'G^. 

i " 3, '60. 

" ■' '7 2 

" l! '56. 

Dec. 2, '54. 

June 5, '7G. 



Dec. 1, '60. 



Jan. 

June 

Mar. 

June 

Mar. 

Dec. 



2, '47. 
1, '40. 
1, '63. 
6. '63. 
5, '65. 
5, '63. 



Sept 




'65. 


June 


2, 


'66. 


Dec. 


4, 


'75. 


if 


1, 


'67. 


June 


i>, 


'70. 


Dec. 


3, 


'59. 


.Mar. 


\> 


'51. 


U 




'67. 


Dec. 


5, 


'74. 


Li 


u 


It 


Sept 


. 5. 


'69. 


il 


1- 


'73. 


ii 


3, 


'70. 


Mar. 


1. 


'40. 


Oct. 


14, 


'48 


June 


1. 


'67. 


Sept 


1, 


'67. 


Dec. 


6. 


'73. 


c: 


5, 


'63. 


a 


a 


U 


June 


1, 


'40. 


May 


25 


'44. 


Nov. 


19 


,'43 


July 


15 


,'43 


Mar. 


3, 


'54. 


Sept 


4, 


'58. 


Mar. 


6, 


'65. 


.Afjr. 


10 


'41 


Mar. 


4, 


'76. 


Feb. 


12 


'53. 


Mar. 


1, 


'68. 


(I 


4, 


'76. 


it 


3, 


77. 


LI 


4. 


'76. 



How 



Remarks. 



P 

C 
P 
P 



p 
c 
p 
p 
p 
p 
p 
p 
p 
p 
c 
p 
p 
p 
p 
p 
p 
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p 



p 
p 
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Adaline Armstrong-. 



Jane McCormick 



Mary V. DuBois. 



Sarah S. Van Der Veer. 

Sarah Ann Smock. 
Abb}' Polhemus. 



[Mary Ann ILill. 



Catharine A. 'J'aylor. 



Ellen H. Buck. 



{Jane Ann Hyer. 



Eleanor .Morgan. 
Anne Wall. 



Ida V. W. Morgan. 
Catherine Garretson. 



Amanda Johnson. 
Hannah ('lavton. 



Catherine L. Wouley, 
Amelia Ann VanSchoick 



Sarah Jane DuBois. 



Elizabeth DuBois. 
.Ann Conover. 

Catherine Schenck. 



Mary L. Whitlock. 

Ann Van Der Veer. 
Jernsha Sanford. 



Margaret Ann Stryker. 



95 



Names. 



Mrs. Lawrence Taylor. 

" Samuel Taylor 

Miss Sai'ali Thompson. 

James W. Tilton 

Mrs. James W. Tilton.. 




How 



Charles Van Cleef 

Mrs. Charles Van Cleef 

Aaron Van Der Veer 

Mrs. Aaron Van Der Veer 

P. Conover Van Der Veer. J 

Mrs. P. C. Van Der Veer 

Joseph A. Van Der Veer 

Mrs. Jos. A. Van Der Veer 

Miss Georgiana Van Der Veer 

John Van Der Veer.. 

Mrs. John Van Der Veer 

'• Edgar Van l>erVeer 

" Abrani Van Der Vuer 

'■' B. Schenck Van DerVeer 
Miss Catherine Van Dorn 

'• Fannie Van Dorn 

Mrs. Joseph Van Dorn 

George H. Van Dorn 

Mrs. R. Schenck Van Kirk.f ... 

Jolin Henry Van Kirk 

John H. Van Mater 

Mrs. J. H. Van Mater 

Charles S. Van Mater 

Augustus Van .Mater 



June 1, '4(1. 
Dec. 5, '68. 
Sept. 5, '57. 
Dec. 1, '72. 
" 4, '69. 

Mar. 6, '7.5. 
June 5, '70. 
Oct. 14, '48. 

a (i u 

June 5, '69. 
Sept. 1, '67. 
June 6, '74. 

U 11 II 

Dec. 1, '67. 
Sept. 4, 'ii'if. 

II Cl ll 

Mar. 4, '76. 

1; II U 

May 30, '75. 
Mar. 1, '62. 
Sept. 2, '60. 
Dec. 3, '70. 
Mar. 4, '76. 
Jan. 8, '43. 
Dec. 5, '68. 
Mar. 4, '76. 



Garret Wall 

James Wall 

Mrs. Charles Walters. f 

" Rev. Ransford Wells., 
Rev. Theodore W. Wells.J 

Mrs. Rev. T. W. Wells , 

Miss Laura H. Wells. J , 

James E. Wells 



" 3, '77. 
June 3, '76. 



Mrs. J. E. Weils 

Miss Harriet C. Wells. + ... 

Selah B. Wells.J '.... 

Mrs. S. B. Wells 

Miss Lydia Whitlock 

John S. Whitlock 

Mrs. John S Whitlock.... 
Miss Mary R. Whitlock.+., 



Van DerBilt Wiiitlock.+. 

Mrs. Y-m DerBilt Whitlock. 

Miss Mary .\nna Whitlock .. 

" Charlotte S. Witlock... 

John V. N. Willis 

Mrs. J. V. N. Willis 

Asher Wooley 

Mrs. .\sher Woolev 



Sept. 
June 
Mar. 



3, '59. 
2, 'iiii. 
4. '76. 



Sept 


1, 


'73. 


Dec. 


6, 


'73. 


Mar. 


4, 


'76. 


11 


6, 


'75. 


11 


U 


.i 


u 


3, 


'77. 


u 


6, 


'75. 


11 


11 


1. 


Apr. 


2 


'47. 


July 


17 


, '47 


Apr. 




'47. 


Dec. 


6, 


'62. 


Sept 


2 


'76. 



Dec. 
Mar. 

June 
Mar. 



6, '62. 
6, '58. 
4, '76. 
1, '65. 
2,' '61. 



P 
P 
P 
P 
P 

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C 
P 
P 
P 
P 

c 
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p 

p 
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c 
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p 
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p 
c 
r 



Remarks. 



Jane Cherao. 
Sarah Stuart. 





Catherine 


A. 


Thompson. 


Mary 


A 


nn 


F 


ielder. 


Mary 


P. 


C 


onover. 



Abby E. Herbert. 
Son of Aaron. 
Rachel M. Rue. 



Elizabeth Brown. 
Jane L. Morris. 
Madora M. Schenck. 
Ellen Johnson. 



Rachel Hampton. 
Eleanor Conover. 



Mary E. Conover. 



Sarah E. Johnston. 
Joanna Hardenbergh. 



J. Elizabeth Van Dyck. 



Henrietta Mapes. 



Jennette Giliiand. 



Marv Van Der Bilt. 



Rebecca Whitlock. 



Ann Schenck. 
Catherine A. Snyder. 



2 1908 



96 
RECAPITULATION. 



178 

Received by Profession 53 

.' Certific;\te -231 

Received during Rev. Dr. Van Vranken's Jlinisuy ^9 

u I. " Mr. Marcellus g. 

u » " " Willis' I" ^f^ 

i( !. ti " Swain's " ^^ 

.; ■ " the present pastorate 231 

No longer residing-in tlic congregation ••••• ^ 

Ministers of the Gospel 13 

218 

Under the Consistory's care 67 

Males 151 

Females , 218 



Brick Church Memorial, 
1699-1877. 

The Days of Old 



AND THEIR COMMEMORATION. 



Wednesday, September 5, i<?77. 



COMPILED BY 



Rev. Theodore W. Wells, Pastor ol the Church. 



MARLBOROUGH .- 

Published by Request, under the Direction of the Consistory. 



877. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



014 207 007 8 $ 



I 



s 



